Tools and methods for making and using tools, blades and methods of making and using blades

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for making and using tools, for example concrete cutting blades, may include fluid flow elements within a channel of the blade. Fluid flow elements may include a tube, a transition element including an inlet fitting, a fluid pressure containment structure inserted into the channel of the blade, an added material resistant to effects of the fluid including plastics, coatings and films, and other structures. Additional nozzle structures may be included. Methods and apparatus for making and using tools including concrete cutting blades having improved damping characteristics may include inserts, plugs and other structures, including those made from materials softer or more ductile than the tool material. Methods in apparatus for making and using tools including concrete cutting blades having improved flow directing capabilities may include inserts or other structures having vanes, foil structures, fluid diverting surfaces, baffles or other structures for affecting fluid flow in the area of the tool.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to concurrently filed applications of thesame title, Serial Nos. (corresponding to attorney references 210-031Aand 210-031C), the disclosures of each of which are incorporated hereinby reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

This relates to tools and associated components, methods for making andusing those tools and associated components, including cutting elements,saw blades, tool guards, fluid and debris collectors, as well as fluidsupply, control and distribution components for such tools andcomponents, including nozzles, valves and other fluid flow components.

2. Related Art

Tools such as power or driven tools often develop heat and also debrisduring use. When the tool operates at higher temperatures, thosetemperatures can lead to a shorter lifetime for the tool, and thereforehigher costs, for example relating to more frequent replacement. Tooloperating temperatures can be reduced by using the tool at lower speedsand/or by cooling the tool, for example by spraying the tool with water.

Lower tool operating speeds often result in longer project times becausethe tool must be used longer at the lower speed to complete the project.Additionally, some tool operations still require cooling with a fluideven when the tool is operated at lower speeds. Fluid may also be usedto clear away debris from the operating site.

Fluids used to cool tools or remove debris from an operating site haveincluded water, oil, drilling mud, as well as other water-based andoil-based fluids. Many of these fluids are contained, for example inreservoirs or through vacuum recovery, so as to minimize contaminationof surrounding areas, but often large amounts of fluid are used duringthe operation and may be difficult to reuse or recycle. As a result,large amounts of fluid may be consumed during operation of the tool.

While water is a common fluid for cooling and removing debris, water canbe corrosive for tools that cannot be easily dried after use. Forexample, tools that are cooled with water and have multiple parts aresometimes difficult to dry or to eliminate corrosion, and water mayenter and stay in areas between adjacent parts. The water can then leadto corrosion and possibly shorter lifetime for the tool.

One tool that is often cooled with water is a masonry or concrete sawblade. Many conventional concrete saw blades are cooled by spraying orotherwise applying water to the blade. The water may be sprayed onto thesides of the blade, but large amounts of water are used to reduce theblade temperature. As a result, the water along with any particlesproduced during cutting spread across the work area. In many situations,the water and debris must be removed before the area can be used. Forexample, the water and debris must be removed from airport runways andhighways to minimize the possibility of the debris fouling theenvironment or equipment using the runways and highways. Relativelylarge vacuum systems are used to pick up the water and debris because ofthe large amount of water used during the cutting operation.

Spraying large amounts of water on the fast-turning blade produces asignificant amount of deflected water. In order to contain as much ofthe water as possible around the blade, blade guards used to protectusers from injury are often designed to enclose the blade as much aspossible. With such blade guards, the user finds it more difficult tosee and monitor the blade and the cutting operation.

Spraying large amounts of water on the fast-turning blade also producesa large amount of pooling around the blade. As a result, a large portionof the cooling water remains on the work surface and does not make itsway to the cutting area. Less water reaches the cutting area and it ismore difficult to remove the debris without the additional water. Theadditional debris also tends to raise the blade temperature.

In other designs, water may be forced between plates or discs forming acore of the saw blade. Many conventional masonry or concrete saw bladesalso use hardened particles embedded in an outer rim, either in acontinuous ring or cutting segments mounted about the perimeter of asteel core. The hardened particles may be diamond, tungsten carbide,poly-crystalline diamond, and the like. The steel core may be formedfrom one or more supporting discs. Where multiple discs are used tosupport the segments, any water that enters between the discs may causecorrosion and pre-mature blade failure. Consequently, most concrete sawblades are water cooled with spray on the outer sides of the discs.

The blade cutting segments on a segmented saw blade are typicallyarcuate segments about two inches long and silver soldered, brazed orwelded about rim portions of the steel core. The core includes radiallyextending sections separated by grooves or gullets. The arcuate segmentsare mounted to the radially extending sections. The gullets help toaccommodate stresses during cutting operations. Coolant used to cool theblade also helps to flush debris from the cutting area during thecutting operation, which reduces blade temperature. The coolant helps toremove loose sand, rock-like material, spent abrasive material and othergranular material from the cutting location, called a “kerf”, and thedebris is termed “swarf”, and the fluid-containing-swarf is called aslurry. As a result of the temperature and motion of the slurry aroundthe junction of the steel core and the cutting segments, the junctionmaterial erodes and wears away, reducing the core support of thesegments. The erosion, known as “under cutting”, shortens the bladelifetime. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,854,295 and 5,471,970, and published patentapplication U.S. 20030213483, to Sakarcan discuss cutting blades, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

SUMMARY

Apparatus and methods are described to improve the manufacture, use andoperation of tools, including tools that are cooled with a fluid.

In one example of apparatus and methods relating to a tool, the tool hasa support structure between a driving portion and a working portion ofthe tool. A fluid flow element, in one example a tube, has a flowelement portion, and in the example of a tube, the tube includes a wallportion that is adjacent the support structure. The support structurecould have a passage way and the tube could have a portion entirelywithin the passage way, and another portion extending from the passageway in an area adjacent the working portion of the tool. Fluid flowingin the flow element can be used to cool the working portion of the toolin addition to cooling the driving portion. The tube may be a plastictube, and for example may be a fiber-reinforced tube.

In another example of apparatus and methods relating to a tool, the toolis a saw blade having a core with a fluid flow element at least partlywithin a passage way in the core. The fluid flow element may be anon-metallic tube, and may be fiber-reinforced. The saw blade may be aconcrete, asphalt, masonry or other similar type of blade, and also mayinclude diamond-embedded segments or other working portions that can becooled using fluid from the fluid flow element. The fluid flow elementmay include a portion extending adjacent the segment, and may include anelement, for example a nozzle, for affecting the flow characteristics ofthe fluid before the fluid is released or exits the fluid flow element.The nozzle in a tool may be removable or replaceable. The flowpreferably improves the cooling of and/or removal of debris from aroundthe blade, for example around the segments.

In a further example of apparatus and methods relating to a tool, asupport structure for the tool includes a passage way and a fluid flowelement associated at least in part within the passage way and having awall adjacent part of the passage way. An element, for example a nozzle,is configured to be in fluid communication with the fluid flow element,and preferably changes the flow characteristics of a fluid from thefluid flow element. In one example with a nozzle, a flow control isincluded for controlling flow of the fluid. For example, the flowcontrol may be a valve or other configuration for reducing or stoppingthe fluid flow as desired. In one example where the tool is a saw blade,a control may be used to increase the fluid flow for those portions ofthe saw blade that are cutting. In another example where the tool is asaw blade, a control may be used to increase fluid flow as the portionsof the saw blade that will be cutting approach the work material.Controlling or changing the fluid flow in a saw blade allows better useof the cooling fluid, and may lower the blade temperature.

Another example of apparatus and methods relating to a tool include ablade having a blade support structure and a recessed area, for exampleextending between a driving portion and a working portion of the blade.The recessed area includes a wall and the blade includes a fluid flowelement positioned in at least part of the recessed area and having awall adjacent the wall of the recessed area. In one example, the fluidflow element is formed from a non-metallic material, plastic being oneexample, and the fluid flow element may include fiber reinforcement. Itsubstantially encloses the fluid within the area of the fluid flowelement, and preferably substantially encloses the fluid from where thefluid enters the tool to where the fluid exits the tool.

In an additional example of apparatus and methods relating to a blade,the blade can include first and second planar support elements, in oneexample first and second discs, with a passage way between them forreceiving a fluid flow element. In the disc example, an internal elementis positioned between the discs, and the internal element has a recessedportion for receiving the fluid flow element. In one example, the fluidflow element is a tube, and may be a fiber-reinforced plastic tube, andthe internal element may be formed from a metal or may also be formedfrom a plastic or a fiber-reinforced material. The discs, internalelement and fluid flow element may all be bonded to form a core for theblade.

In another example of apparatus and methods relating to a blade, theblade can include first and second planar support elements with apassage way between them for receiving a fluid flow element. A flowchanging element is in fluid communication with the fluid flow element,and in one example takes the form of a flow changing nozzle. In oneexample, the flow changing element changes the direction of fluid flow,and in a further example, the cross-sectional area of the fluid ischanged, for example by increasing it. In an additional example, theflow changing element can change the flow volume of the fluid, and caneven stop and start the flow of fluid from the fluid flow element. Inanother example, the flow changing element directs the fluid to a sideof the blade. In a further example, the flow changing element mayinclude an actuating surface, and in one example, the actuating surfaceextends beyond a working portion of the blade. In an example of acircular concrete saw blade, the actuating surface can extend beyond thecutting surface of the blade, so that flow is changed when the actuatingelement nears or contacts the surface of the work material. In anotherexample for a circular concrete saw blade, the actuating surface can beaffected by fluid flow. For example, when the portion of the blade withthe actuating element is in air, coolant flow is reduced, and when theportion of the blade with the actuating element is moving throughcoolant or slurry, coolant flow from the fluid flow element isincreased.

In a further example of apparatus and methods relating to a tool, thetool includes a support structure and defines a recess for allowingfluid flow. A fluid changing element is in fluid communication with therecess for changing a characteristic of a fluid before the fluid exitsthe support structure. In one example, the fluid changing portiondirects the fluid in a direction substantially parallel to the recess,and may change the fluid, for example, by changing a flow pattern,changing flow volume, stopping and starting flow, or in other ways. Inanother example, the fluid changing portion directs the fluid in adifferent direction, for example toward a working portion, and inanother example in a direction different from the direction of movementof the tool. Where the tool is a saw blade rotating about an axis, thefluid changing nozzle may direct the fluid at least partly different oropposite the direction of rotation of the blade.

In another example of apparatus and methods relating to a tool, the toolincludes a support structure and defines a recess for allowing fluidflow and also includes a fluid changing element in fluid communicationwith the recess. The nozzle, in one example a fluid changing nozzle, iskept in place relative to the support structure through engagement of asurface on the nozzle with a complementary surface in the structuresupporting the nozzle. In the nozzle example, the nozzle is supported inpart by the support structure and is held in place through complementaryengagement of surfaces between the nozzle and the support structure. Forexample, the nozzle can have an enlarged base retained in acomplementary cavity in the support structure. Examples of the enlargedbase include a rectangular configuration, a trapezoidal configuration,and a rounded or oval configuration. The fluid changing element may beformed from a reinforced material, for example a fiber reinforcedmaterial. In other examples of the fluid changing element, the elementmay form a valve and may stop and start the flow of fluid. Additionally,the tool may have multiple nozzles, one or more of which changes thefluid characteristics compared to another nozzle or in ways other thanone or more of the other fluid changing elements. In one nozzle example,first and second nozzles can direct fluid in different directions. Inother nozzle examples, different nozzles can produce different flowpatterns, and can be positioned differently relative to their respectiveunderlying support structures.

In another example of the apparatus and methods relating to a tool, thetool includes a working portion and a support portion supporting theworking portion and a nozzle supported by the support portion and spacedfrom the working portion. In one example, the tool is a circular tool,and in one example a circular saw blade, and the nozzle opens in adirection other than radially, and in another example, the nozzle openstoward the working portion. In an example where the tool is a rotarytool and working portion moves in the direction of rotation, the nozzleopens in a direction other than perpendicular to the direction ofrotation. For example, the nozzle may open in a direction with or adirection counter to the direction rotation, but the nozzle can alsoopen in a direction at least partly with the direction of rotation. Thenozzle may extend into free space, and in the example of a segmentedconcrete saw blade, the nozzle may extend into a gullet of the saw bladeor extend between segments. The tool may also have multiple nozzles, andtwo nozzles may be fed from separate respective passage ways.

In a further example of apparatus and methods relating to a tool, thetool is a saw blade where the working portion includes a sinteredsegment. In one saw blade example, the nozzle opens toward the segmentand in another, the nozzle opens radially. In other examples, the sawblade includes multiple nozzles, and separate nozzles can have differentconfigurations. One configuration could be a radially-directed opening,a contra-rotational directed opening, a radially-inward directedopening, or a number of other directions for the opening, while anothernozzle could open in a different direction. Two nozzles could be spaceddifferent amounts from segments to which they are most closelypositioned, could have different flow or spray patterns, or they couldbe identical in all respects. In further examples, the saw blade has anozzle with a wall portion that engages a wall portion of a structurethat supports the nozzle. The wall portion may be incorporated in anozzle interface, such as a nozzle body, or in a base of the nozzle andit may have a rounded shape, a rectangular shape, a trapezoidal shape,or other shapes that may assist in keeping the nozzle in the desiredposition.

In another example of apparatus and methods relating to tools, the toolmay have a support structure including a passage way for fluid where thepassage way includes an outlet. A control element adjacent the outletselectively controls fluid flow from the outlet. In one example, thecontrol element includes an arm extending beyond a working portion ofthe tool, for example to actuate the control element. The arm may pivot,for example so that fluid can flow from the passage way when the arm hasmoved in a selected direction. The arm may extend along a radius of thepivot point or may be off a radius from the pivot point. The arm mayinclude an opening from which fluid flows when the control elementpermits. In one example where the tool is a circular saw blade, having asintered segment, the segment actuates the control element to controlthe flow. For example, actuation of the control element may occur withmovement of the segment along a radius of the saw blade, including thesituation where the segment contacts the work material and movesradially inward with rotation of the saw blade. In another example of acircular saw blade, the control element is actuated through contact of astructure with a blade guard as the saw blade rotates.

In a further example of apparatus and methods relating to tools, thetool may have a support structure including a passage way for fluidwhere the passage way includes an outlet and a control element adjacentthe outlet. The control element is actuated through flow of fluid over aportion of the control element. In one example, air flow across thecontrol element allows the control element to remain substantiallyclosed (or flow reduced) while liquid flow across the control elementopens the control element. In one example where the outlet is formed ina nozzle extending along a nozzle axis, the nozzle can pivot about thenozzle axis under the influence of liquid flow across a surface of thenozzle. Where the nozzle can pivot or twist about a pivot axis differentfrom the nozzle axis, the nozzle can open and close also under theinfluence of liquid flow across a surface of the nozzle or other means.

In another example of apparatus and methods relating to tools, a coreelement such as a blade core for a cutting blade includes a supportportion for supporting the working elements such as a cutting segment orother cutting portion. A plurality of flow elements, for example nozzlesor flow changing nozzles, are supported by the support portion of theblade core. The nozzles are supported in such a way that they can eachbe positioned independently of the positioning of the other nozzles intheir respective locations in the blade core before complete assembly.In one example, each nozzle is a discrete or stand-alone nozzle element,for example un-connected to any of the other nozzles other than throughthe support of each of the nozzles by the blade core. In a furtherexample, each nozzle is part of a fluid flow assembly in which eachfluid flow assembly includes its own nozzle and fluid flow element, forexample in the form of a tube or other conduit.

A further example of apparatus and methods relating to tools includes acore element such as a blade core for a cutting blade having a pluralityof nozzles, at least one of which extends into free space. Additionally,the nozzle extending into free space can extend adjacent or into thearea of a working element so that fluid can be applied as closely aspossible to the surface of the work piece being worked. For example, atube or similar fluid flow element can extend into a gullet of a cuttingblade so that fluid exiting the tube flows close to the work surface.Where the end of the tube extends to the work surface, fluid applicationto the work surface is more predictable.

Another example of apparatus and methods relating to tools includes acore element such as a blade core for a cutting blades and at least onenozzle that is releasably supported by the blade core or other portionof the blade. The nozzle can be held in by friction fit, engagementmembers, projections or other contact configurations. The nozzle canthen be inserted and removed as desired. This allows more flexibility inmanufacturing, for example by inserting the nozzle after the blade hasbeen assembled and cured, and allows replacement and/or substitution ofnozzles over the lifetime of the blade.

In another example of apparatus and methods relating to tools, a bladecore supports a working elements such as a cutting segment. The bladeincludes a nozzle in a wall of the blade core opening from the side ofthe blade core. The nozzle can be removable and can have structures andfunctions similar to nozzles positioned in the area of the perimeter ofthe blade core. The nozzle can be coupled to a fluid flow element suchas a tube and the assembly can also include an inlet fitting or othertransition element. Fluid can be supplied to the blade through a side ofthe blade core or radially through an opening in the blade core, forexample through an arbor hole. In this example, where the nozzle andfluid flow assembly are incorporated in a laminated blade core having amedial disc, the medial disc may include corresponding channels forreceiving respective tubes. The channels in the medial disc may extendentirely to the arbor hole, the medial disc being supported and heldtogether by the disc structure between the nozzle or nozzles and theperimeter of the medial disc.

A further example of a nozzle for use with the tool includes a nozzlehaving a side surface that is raise relative to the adjacent surface ofthe tool. Fluid flowing over the side surface of the nozzle is affectedby the surface configuration of the side surface, thereby causing thefluid flow to change. The surface configurations of the nozzles can beselected to produce a desired effect.

These and other examples are set forth more fully below in conjunctionwith drawings, a brief description of which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a left side view of an example of a tool and its operatingequipment in the form of a concrete flat saw.

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the concrete saw of FIG. 1 showing ablade drive shaft and blade mounting flanges.

FIG. 3 shows a right side view of another example of a concrete flat sawincluding vacuum equipment for picking up slurry around the saw blade.

FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of another example of a tool and itsoperating equipment in the form of a concrete wall saw.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a tool in the form of a segmented saw bladethat can be used with one of the saws of FIG. 14.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of a part of the segmented saw blade of FIG.5.

FIG. 7 is a partial transverse cross section of part of the blade ofFIG. 5 taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

FIGS. 7A-7D are partial transverse cross sections of parts of a bladesimilar to that of FIG. 5 showing alternative fluid flow elementconfigurations.

FIG. 8 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a fluid flow element thatcan be used with the core of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the fluid flow element of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a schematic and exploded view of a saw blade core that can beused to form a concrete saw blade.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a disc that can be used to form part of thecore of FIG. 5.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of an adhesive layer that can be used to form thecore of FIG. 5.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of an intermediate or medial section or disc thatcan be used to form the core of FIG. 5.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of another adhesive layer that can be used toform the core of FIG. 5.

FIG. 15 is a schematic and exploded view of a second example of a corethat can be used form a concrete saw blade.

FIG. 16 is a schematic view of a combination of a fluid flow element anda nozzle according to one example described herein.

FIG. 17 is a side view of a nozzle for use with a combination of FIG.16.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a nozzle alternative to that of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a side view of a nozzle alternative to that of FIGS. 17 and18.

FIG. 20 is a side view of a nozzle alternative to that of FIG. 17 andalso graphically showing a range of directions in the plane of the sawblade for directing fluid.

FIG. 21 is a top view of the nozzle of FIG. 20 and graphically showing arange of directions about a radius of the saw blade, in a planeperpendicular to the radius, for directing fluid.

FIG. 22 is a side view of a nozzle schematically representing a firstflow characteristic representing a straight fluid stream for a fluid.

FIG. 23 is a side view of a nozzle schematically representing a secondflow characteristic representing a fan spray for a fluid extending in aplane of the saw blade.

FIG. 24 is a side view of a nozzle schematically representing a thirdflow characteristic representing a fan spray for a fluid extending in aplane other than the plane of the saw blade.

FIG. 25 is a top view of a nozzle and schematically representing a fanspray flow characteristic in a plane perpendicular to a plane of the sawblade.

FIG. 26 is a top plan view of a nozzle and schematically representing afan spray flow characteristic in a plane parallel to a plane of the sawblade.

FIG. 27 is a top plan view of a nozzle and schematically representing aconical spray characteristic.

FIG. 28 is a side view of a nozzle and schematically representing anintermittent fluid flow characteristic.

FIGS. 28A-28D are graphical representations of flow characteristics as afunction of time.

FIG. 29 is a detailed side view of a portion of a saw blade including anozzle partly positioned in free space in a gullet.

FIG. 30 is a transverse cross section of part of a saw blade takenthrough a gullet and showing a nozzle in the gullet and adjacent acutting segment.

FIG. 31 is a schematic and top view of a nozzle and a portion of a sawblade such as that of FIG. 30 showing the outlet of nozzle extending inalignment with a center plane of the blade core.

FIG. 32 is a schematic and top view of a nozzle and a portion of a sawblade such as that of FIG. 30 showing the outlet of the nozzle extendingaway from the center plane of the blade core and directing fluidapproximately parallel to the saw blade core.

FIG. 33 is a schematic and top view of a nozzle and a portion of a sawblade such as that of FIG. 30 showing the outlet of the nozzle extendingaway from the center plane of the blade core.

FIG. 34 is a schematic and top view of a nozzle and a portion of a sawblade such as that of FIG. 30 showing the outlet of the nozzle extendingout of the envelope defined by the outer side surfaces of the bladecore.

FIG. 35 is a side view of the concrete saw blade similar to that of FIG.5 showing gullets into which fluid can be ejected, and into which tubesand other nozzle structures can extend.

FIG. 36 is a detailed side view of a portion of a saw blade showing anozzle positioned in a blade core.

FIG. 37 is a detailed side view of a portion of a saw blade showing anozzle having an actuating surface.

FIG. 38 is a detailed side view similar to that shown in FIG. 37 showingthe actuating surface of the nozzle pivoted.

FIG. 39 is a detailed side view of a portion of a saw blade showing anozzle and an actuating surface alternative to that shown in FIG. 37.

FIG. 40 is a detailed side view similar to that shown in FIG. 39 showingthe actuating surface of the nozzle pivoted.

FIG. 41 is a detailed side view of a portion of a saw blade showing anozzle and actuating surface alternative to that shown in FIG. 37.

FIG. 42 is a detailed side view similar to that shown in FIG. 41 showingthe nozzle and actuating surface pivoted.

FIG. 43 is a detailed side view of a portion of a saw blade showing anozzle and actuating element alternative to that of FIG. 37.

FIG. 44 is a lower isometric view of an exemplary nozzle assembly havingan actuation element.

FIG. 45 is a side elevation view of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 44.

FIG. 46 is a sagittal cross-section view of the nozzle assembly of FIG.44.

FIG. 47 is a side elevation view of an actuation element of the nozzleassembly of FIG. 44.

FIG. 48 is a plan view of an array of inlet fittings and tube portionsaccording to one example of a fluid inlet assembly.

FIG. 49 is an isometric view of an inlet fitting for use in the assemblyof FIG. 48.

FIG. 50 is a side elevation view of the inlet fitting of FIG. 49.

FIG. 51 is an isometric view of another example of an inlet fitting foruse in a fluid inlet configuration.

FIG. 52 is a side elevation view of the inlet fitting of FIG. 51.

FIG. 53 is a sagittal section view of the inlet fitting of FIG. 51.

FIG. 54 is a partial cutaway view of a fluid inlet area of a toolshowing another example of an inlet fitting.

FIG. 55 is a top plan view of an inlet fitting of the example of FIG. 54with a fluid flow element.

FIG. 56 is a side elevation view of the assembly of FIG. 55.

FIG. 57 is a longitudinal sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 56taken along the line 57-57.

FIG. 58 is a first isometric view of a nozzle assembly according toanother example for use with a tool.

FIG. 59 is a top plan view of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 58.

FIG. 60 is a second isometric view of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 58.

FIG. 61 is a side elevation view of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 60.

FIG. 62 is a side elevation view of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 61 takenfrom the left side of FIG. 61.

FIG. 63 is a sectional view of the nozzle assembly of FIGS. 58-62 takenalong a center plane.

FIG. 64 is a partial cutaway view of a portion of a blade including thenozzle assembly of FIGS. 58-63.

FIG. 65 is a transverse cross-section of a portion of a nozzle assemblyshowing one example of joining two halves for forming a nozzle assembly.

FIG. 66 is a transverse cross-section of a portion of a nozzle assemblyshowing another example of joining two halves for forming a nozzleassembly.

FIG. 67 is an isometric view of an example of a tool with which fluidflow elements and nozzle assemblies can be used.

FIG. 68 is an elevation view of another example of a nozzle assembly foruse with a tool.

FIG. 69 is a side elevation view of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 68.

FIG. 70 is a sectional view of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 68 takenalong a center plane.

FIG. 71 is a transverse cross-section of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 69.

FIG. 72 is an isometric view of a tool in the form of a cutting bladehaving fluid flow assemblies including inlet fittings such as thoseshown in FIGS. 54-57, tubes such as that shown in FIG. 7B and nozzleassemblies such as those shown in FIGS. 68-71, with an inside disc ofthe blade core removed and showing a medial disc having curved channelsand a plurality of apertures formed through portions of the medial disc.

FIG. 73 is a plan view of a fluid flow assembly that can be used with atool, including the blades described herein, showing another example ofa nozzle assembly wherein a nozzle element is removable.

FIG. 74 is a plan view of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 73.

FIG. 75 is a cross-section of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 73 taken alonga center plane such as that indicated by the line 75-75 in FIG. 74.

FIG. 76 is a detailed view of the removable nozzle element shown in FIG.75.

FIG. 77 is a plan view of a tool in the form of a cutting bladeincorporating a fluid flow assembly in accordance with another exampledescribed herein.

FIG. 77A is a detailed cutaway view of a portion of the cutting blade ofFIG. 77 showing a side elevation view of the nozzle assembly used in thecutting blade of FIG. 77.

FIG. 78 is a plan view of the saw blade of FIG. 77 having fluid flowassemblies including inlet fittings such as those shown in FIG. 54-57,tubes such as that shown in FIG. 7B and nozzle assemblies with an insidedisc of the blade core removed and showing a medial disc.

FIG. 78A is a partial cutaway view of a portion of the blade of FIG. 78and showing a sagittal cross-section of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 77.

FIG. 78B is a detailed cutaway view of a portion of the medial disc ofFIG. 78A.

FIG. 79 is a first isometric view of a nozzle assembly used in thecutting blade of FIG. 77.

FIG. 80 is a second isometric view of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 79.

FIG. 81 is an elevation view of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 80 takenfrom the left side of FIG. 80.

FIG. 82 is an elevation view of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 80 takenfrom the front of FIG. 80.

FIG. 83 is an elevation view of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 80 takenfrom the right side of FIG. 80.

FIG. 84 is in elevation view taken from the rear of the nozzle assemblyshown in FIG. 80.

FIG. 84A is an exaggerated drawing of a portion of a cutting blade suchas that of FIG. 77 in a cutting example.

FIG. 85 is a sagittal cross-section view of the nozzle assembly of FIG.84 taken along the line 85-85 shown in FIG. 84.

FIG. 86 is an isometric view of a nozzle body of the nozzle assembly ofFIG. 80.

FIG. 87 is a side elevation view of the nozzle body of FIG. 86 takenfrom the right side as viewed in FIG. 86.

FIG. 88 is a sagittal cross-section of the nozzle body of FIG. 86.

FIG. 89 is a top plan view of a nozzle element such as that used in thenozzle assembly of FIG. 80.

FIG. 90 is an first upper isometric view of the nozzle element of FIG.89.

FIG. 91 is an elevation view of the nozzle element of FIG. 89 whenviewed from the rear of FIG. 90.

FIG. 92 is a second upper isometric view of the nozzle element of FIG.89.

FIG. 93 is an elevation view of the nozzle element of FIG. 89 as viewedfrom the right side of the view shown in FIG. 90.

FIG. 94 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle element showing FIG. 93taken along the line 94-94 of FIG. 93.

FIG. 95 is an elevation view of the nozzle element of FIG. 89 taken fromthe front as viewed in FIG. 90.

FIG. 96 is a sagittal cross-section of the nozzle element of FIG. 95taken along the line 96-96 of FIG. 95.

FIG. 97 is a partial cutaway view of a tool in the form of a cuttingblade showing elements used for damping.

FIG. 98 is a side elevation view of a damping element shown in FIG. 97.

FIG. 99 is an isometric view of the fluid supply assembly for use with atool such as the cutting blades described.

FIG. 100 is a front elevation view of the fluid supply assembly shown inFIG. 99.

FIG. 100A is a front elevation view of another example of a fluid supplyassembly such as that shown in FIG. 99.

FIG. 101 is a plan view and partial schematic of a fluid supply assemblyaccording to another example.

FIG. 102 is a cross-section of a fluid supply assembly taken along theline 102-102 in FIG. 101.

FIG. 103 is an exploded view of the fluid supply assembly of FIG. 99.

FIG. 104 is a plan view of a fluid treatment assembly for use with thefluid supply of FIG. 99.

FIG. 105 is a partial cutaway view of a tool in the form of a cuttingblade showing another example of a fluid flow assembly.

FIG. 106 is a detailed view of a portion of the tool of FIG. 105 showinga portion of the fluid flow assembly.

FIG. 107 is a partial transverse cross-section taken along the line107-107 of FIG. 106.

FIG. 108 is a partial cutaway view of a tool in the form of a cuttingblade showing another example of a fluid flow assembly.

FIG. 109 is a plan view of a portion of a fluid flow assembly for usewith the cutting blade of FIG. 108.

FIG. 110 is an elevation view of the cutaway of FIG. 109 showing a fluidinlet element.

FIG. 111 is a side elevation and partial cutaway of an arbor configuredfor supplying fluid to the inlet element of FIG. 110.

FIG. 112 is a side elevation view of a cutting assembly including afluid containment system and including a blade guard.

FIG. 113 is a transverse cross-section of the assembly of FIG. 112 takenalong the line 113-113.

FIG. 114 is a transverse cross-section of another example of a bladeguard and fluid containment system.

FIG. 115 is a transverse cross-section of another example of a bladeguard and fluid containment system.

FIG. 116 is a transverse cross-section of another example of a bladeguard and fluid containment system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following specification taken in conjunction with the drawings setsforth examples of apparatus and methods incorporating one or moreaspects of the present inventions in such a manner that a person skilledin the art can make and use the inventions. The examples provide thebest modes contemplated for carrying out the inventions, although itshould be understood that various other configurations can beaccomplished within the parameters of the present inventions.

The detailed description includes the following headings showingportions of the description where, among other locations, descriptionsof the noted subjects can be found:

I. EQUIPMENT EXAMPLES

II. TOOL EXAMPLES

III. FLUID FLOW ELEMENTS, CHARACTERISTICS AND TOOL EXAMPLES

IV. NOZZLE CHARACTERISTICS AND EXAMPLES

V. TRANSITION ELEMENT CHARACTERISTICS AND EXAMPLES

VI. ADDITIONAL TOOL ASSEMBLY EXAMPLES AND COMPONENT CHARACTERISTICS

VII. FLUID SUPPLY EXAMPLES

VIII. ADDITIONAL TOOL COMPONENTS AND CHARACTERISTICS

IX. FLUID RECOVERY AND BLADE GUARD EXAMPLES

The headings and overall organization of the present description are forthe purpose of convenience only and are not intended to be limiting inany way.

Examples of tools and of methods of making and using the tools aredescribed. Depending on what feature or features are incorporated in agiven structure or a given method, benefits can be achieved in thestructure or the method. For example, tools using fluid for cooling mayachieve better cooling and longer lifetime. They may also demonstratebetter fluid consumption characteristics, for example greaterefficiency. Cutting tools may have improved noise and/or vibrationcharacteristics and may be operated at higher speeds. Additionally, somecutting tool configurations may also benefit from lighter-weightcomponents, lower-cost and reduced wear.

Tools that use water for cooling and/or lubrication may benefit alsofrom one or more features described, for example reducing thepossibility of rust formation. Improved rust prevention characteristicshelp blade life and promote tool integrity.

Tools that use water for cooling and/or lubrication may benefit alsofrom one or more features described, for example reducing thepossibility of fluid pressure adversely affecting the integrity of thetool. Improved fluid pressure containment and/or control leads to morepredicable operation and also promotes tool integrity.

In some configurations of cutting tools, improvements can be achievedalso in assembly, and in some configurations, a relatively small numberof support structures can be used to provide a larger number ofconfigurations of cutting tools. For example, in a circular saw blade,one or a few core configurations can be used to produce a number of sawblades having a larger number of final configurations.

In tools similar to circular saw blade configurations, one or moreaspects of the examples described may allow better cooling and heattransfer, possibly higher operating speeds and improved toolperformance. By way of further example, in diamond matrix cuttingblades, the amount of abrasion may be reduced, and there may be reducedfatigue in metallic surfaces, reduced core fatigue, reduced segmentproblems for those blades using segments, and one or more features mayimprove undercut protection. Additionally, blade core tensioning may bereduced or eliminated, and the blade core may be made lighter. In someblade configurations, flushing of the swarf can be improved and coolingof the blade can be improved by having water contact the sides of theblade over a longer period. Lower water consumption may also lead todecreased cleanup costs and times.

Improvements are also provided to components with which the tools may beused. For example, tool guards may be simplified or made more efficient.With blade guards, for example, one or more tool configurations couldallow more efficient coolant containment and/or collection, possiblyallowing for smaller components and/or more efficient componentconfigurations. Additionally, the tool guard may be configured to permitmore visibility of the tool for the user.

These and other benefits will become more apparent with consideration ofthe description of the examples herein. However, it should be understoodthat not all of the benefits or features discussed with respect to aparticular example must be incorporated into a tool, component or methodin order to achieve one or more benefits contemplated by these examples.Additionally, it should be understood that features of the examples canbe incorporated into a tool, component or method to achieve some measureof a given benefit even though the benefit may not be optimal comparedto other possible configurations. For example, one or more benefits maynot be optimized for a given configuration in order to achieve costreductions, efficiencies or for other reasons known to the personsettling on a particular product configuration or method.

Examples of a number of tool configurations and of methods of making andusing the tools are described herein, and some have particular benefitsin being used together. However, even though these apparatus and methodsare considered together at this point, there is no requirement that theybe combined, used together, or that one component or method be used withany other component or method, or combination. Additionally, it will beunderstood that a given component or method could be combined with otherstructures or methods not expressly discussed herein while stillachieving desirable results.

Saw blades are used as examples of a tool that can incorporate one ormore of the features and derive some of the benefits described herein,and in particular concrete saw blades. Concrete saw blades often operateat elevated speeds, are cooled with water, experience wear around theworking or cutting portions of the tool, and are used for a number ofapplications. However, only two applications for concrete saw bladeswill be described with respect to two types of equipment, a flat saw anda wall saw. Tools other than cutting blades and equipment other thansaws can benefit from one or more of the present inventions.

I. EQUIPMENT EXAMPLES

Examples of concrete saws and their construction and operation can befound in a number of patents, including U.S. Pat. No. 5,809,985,entitled “Self-Propelled Saw,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,247, entitled “Methodand Apparatus for Safe Operation of Self-Propelled Concrete Saw,” U.S.Pat. No. 5,680,854, entitled “Self-Propelled Saw,” U.S. Pat. No.5,477,844, entitled “Slurry Recovery System for a Wet Cutting Saw,” andU.S. Pat No. 4,664,645 entitled “Blade Drive Shaft Assembly,” all ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

In an example of a flat saw, a concrete saw 100 (FIGS. 1-3) includes aframe 102 supported by wheels 104 and 106. The wheels 104 and 106 allowthe saw to move across a concrete surface 108 (FIG. 1). Details aboutthe construction and configuration of a concrete saw are provided in theabove-identified patents. An internal combustion engine 110 (FIG. 1) maybe mounted to the frame 102 and may provide power both to rotate the sawblade 112 (FIGS. 1 and 3) and to operate, through a transmission, thedrive wheels 104 to propel the concrete saw. The engine 110 includes acrank shaft (not shown), which drives a shaft or drives a pulley aroundwhich is positioned one or more V-belts or other drive element for thesaw blade and typically another belt for a transmission for driving thedrive wheels 104.

The saw blade 112 is mounted to a blade shaft 114 (FIG. 3) and is heldin place through blade flanges such as at 116 (FIG. 2). The saw bladecan be mounted on the blade shaft on the right side of the frame 102, asshown in FIG. 2 for right hand saw cut, or on the left side of the frame102 for left-hand saw cut. The blade shaft is mounted to the frame 102,for example through bearings in the manner such as that shown in FIG. 2,and it is driven through pulleys 118, which receive the respectiveV-belts from the pulley on the engine crank shaft. A blade guard 120typically extends over at least the upper portion of the saw blade tohelp control debris and slurry spread that may be produced duringcutting.

An operator (not shown) positions the saw using handles 122 (FIGS. 1 and3) and can move the saw by operating the drive assembly to propel thesaw forward. Movement of the saw through the drive wheels 104 can becontrolled through a drive control 124 (FIG. 1) on a console 126. Thedrive wheels 104 are put in motion using the power from torque producingmotors 128 (FIG. 2), and the cutting speed can be controlled bycontrolling the power applied to the drive wheels 104 through themotors. The motors are controlled through the drive control 124 on theconsole 126. The operator also controls blade depth by suitablepositioning of a hinged front axle assembly 130, which may hydraulicallyraise and lower the front end of the saw. The front axle assembly 130 issupported on the concrete or other surface through the front wheels 106(FIG. 1). The front axle assembly pivots downward away from, and upwardtoward, the saw frame 102 when a height adjustment cylinder (not shown)extends and retracts. When the cylinder extends, the wheels 106 arepushed downward from the saw frame 102 against the concrete surfacethereby raising the saw away from the concrete surface. When thecylinder retracts, the wheels are allowed to return toward the saw frame102, lowering the saw closer to the concrete surface.

The concrete saw 100 (FIG. 1) can also be powered and driven by anelectric or hydraulic motor, and all of the components on it can bedriven or energized electrically.

Conventional systems apply water through a conduit (not shown) to theinside of the blade guard 120 to act as a coolant for the blade 112.Alternatively, as described in several examples set forth herein,cooling water is provided through the blade. As the saw blade cuts,gravel-like concrete chips or smaller particle debris are broken fromthe concrete work material and carried away from the cutting area by acombination of the blade movement and water movement. The slurrycombination of the water and the debris may then spread across theconcrete surface or other nearby areas as the cutting continues if notcontained. To contain or remove the slurry, the saw may also include amaterial pickup element in the form of a vacuum bar 132 to which iscoupled a vacuum hose 134 for removing a slurry of water andparticulates created during cutting (see the example shown in FIG. 3).In applications other than concrete saws, other operations occur andother waste material will be produced using other equipment on variouswork surfaces, but many of the concepts described herein will besimilarly applicable. A conventional blade guard 120 may be similar oridentical to a blade guard described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,408, and issupported by a suitable blade guard mount configured for mounting on asaw such as is manufactured by Electrolux Construction Products. Theblade guard includes a top mounted handle 136 for ease of handling.

In the example of the saw in FIG. 3, the vacuum hose 134 extends asshort a distance as possible to a slurry recovery and separationassembly 138 (FIG. 3) for transporting the slurry from the vacuum bar132 to the assembly 138. The assembly 138 is preferably located on aside or a surface of the saw 100 different from the side where the bladeis located so as not to obstruct the view that the operator has of thecutting area.

Vacuum is created in the assembly 138, and therefore through the vacuumhose 134 and in the vacuum bar 132, through a vacuum generator 140coupled to the assembly 138 through a vacuum hose 142. The vacuumgenerator 140 may be driven by the drive shaft 114. Alternatively, thevacuum generator could be driven by current from the saw motor, wherethe saw is electrically powered, or by other suitable means. Moredetails about material recovery elements and systems are found in U.S.Pat. No. 5,564,408 and PCT Publication No. WO2004065080, the disclosuresof which are incorporated herein by reference. Other vacuum systems mayinclude stand-alone equipment and vehicle trucks or other combinationsof equipment.

Other equipment with which a tool in the form of a saw blade may be usedis the wall saw, one example of which is shown in FIG. 4. A wall saw istypically used in conjunction with a track 144, which will be mounted toa wall through clamps 146. The track 144 has a gear track 148 alongwhich the saw 150 travels. A wall saw may include a carriage 152, abearing housing and assembly 154, a gearbox 156, saw blade 158 and ablade guard 160 (FIG. 4).

Considering the saw and track in more detail with respect FIG. 4, thebracket 146 includes leveling screws 162 and the track 144 is mounted tothe brackets 146 through cap screws 164. The saw is mounted and retainedon the track through retention rollers 166 positioned at least atrespective ends of four legs extending downwardly from the carriage 152alongside the track. Only one retention roller 166 is shown in FIG. 4. Aplurality of guide rollers 168 is supported by the carriage 152, andthey guide the carriage along the track. A manual travel control 170 isaccessible from the top of the saw. The travel control 170 is turnedwith a suitable wrench so as to move a gear (not shown) under thecarriage along the track rack 148 through a series of intermediategears.

The bearing housing and assembly 154 include an outer housing andsuitable gears, drive shaft and bearings. The assembly 154 can receivedrive input from a hydraulic drive motor (not shown) mounted to thehousing opposite the gearbox 156 and drives the saw blade through thegearbox 156. The assembly 154 also includes gears for positioning theblade relative to the work piece, such as a concrete wall.

A blade depth control 172 (FIG. 4) is also accessible from the top ofthe saw or controlled remotely. It may be turned with a suitable wrenchso as to move the gear (not shown) in the bearing assembly 154, whichthen pivots the gearbox about the drive shaft, which in turn adjusts theposition of the saw blade relative to the work piece.

The gearbox 156 transmits drive power to the saw blade mounted to ablade drive shaft through inner and outer blade flanges 174. The bladeflanges 174 may also include internal structures for passing fluid alongthe sides of the saw blade, or as described more fully below, forpassing fluid to the interior of the blade. A blade guard (not shown) issupported by a blade guard support 176.

Other examples of tools with which one or more of the cutting bladeexamples described herein can be used include masonry and asphalt saws,marble saws, and configurations of components described herein may beapplied to core drills and other drilling tools, cutting tools, and thelike, as well as other tools.

II. TOOL EXAMPLES

The saw blade 112 used with the equipment shown in FIGS. 1-4 is anexample of a tool that can include one or more aspects of the featuresdescribed herein. In the examples, the tool is a rotating tool, and onethat is often run at high speeds and develops high temperatures duringoperation. In the saw blade examples, the tool includes a supportportion which is driven by the saw and a working portion on the supportportion that makes contact with the work surface or work piece. Theworking portion in the saw blade example applies forces to the worksurface or work piece, which produces wear and heat during operation. Inthe concrete saw blade examples, the working portion is an abrading orhigh impact structure that breaks or chips away at the concrete tocreate the kerf. In other tools, the tools may have sharpened cuttingsurfaces, other abrading configurations as well as impact surfaces. Thetools may also have round, cylindrical, circular, planar or otherconfigurations for applying the working portion to the work piece orwork surface. The tool may be cycled rotationally, reciprocatingly orcombinations thereof. Conversely, the tool may not be cycled at all, ormay not be moved in a manner that is perceptably repetitive. In thecontext of saw blades, however, the rotational nature of operation andthe speeds of operation provide opportunities for deriving benefits fromseveral of the examples described with respect to the saw blades. Thefollowing description of tools in the form of saw blades are well-suitedto the examples described, but it should be understood that the examplesare also applicable to tools other than saw blades.

In one saw blade example of a tool, the saw blade 180 (FIGS. 5-7D)includes a working portion 182. The working portion contacts the worksurface or the work piece and forms a cut, or otherwise works the workpiece in accordance with the tool design. The saw blade 180 has adriving portion 184 (FIG. 6) for receiving the driving force from thesaw and ultimately transmitting the driving force to the workingportion. The driving portion 184 is shown in FIG. 6 as extendingradially outward from a drive shaft opening 186 in the saw blade anundefined distance, because the distance will be determined by the sizeof the blade flange or other arrangement for mounting the saw blade tothe blade drive shaft. Additionally, the distance may be determined inother ways as a function of the particular configuration for mountingthe saw blade to the drive structure.

The saw blade 180 includes a support structure 188 extending radiallyoutward to the working portion 182. The support structure supports theworking portions and includes suitable means for fixing the workingportions to the support structure. In the saw blade example, the supportstructure has the same configuration as the driving portion 184, and isdescribed more fully below in conjunction with FIGS. 7-13. The supportstructure also transmits the driving force from the driving portion 184to the working portions 182.

The support structure 188 of the saw blade 180 includes one or morewalls defining at least one and preferably multiple passage ways 190.The passage ways 190 in this example extend at least in part between thedriving portion 184 and the working portion 188. In the example shown inFIGS. 5-6, the passage ways 190 extend radially outward from pointsspaced from the drive shaft opening 186, also termed an “arbor hole,” torespective points spaced radially inward from the working portions 182.The passage ways 190 open out into respective gullets 192 at pointsspaced radially inward from the junctions between working portions 182and the support structure 188. Other exit configurations for the passageways 190 are possible, some of which are described in more detailherein. Alternatively, for a saw blade having a continuous rim, andwithout gullets, the passage ways could exit the perimeter, exit in thearea closer to the working portions, or exit the sides of the blade.

III. FLUID FLOW ELEMENTS, CHARACTERISTICS AND TOOL EXAMPLES

The saw blade 180 has a 194, which in the example shown in FIG. 7 takesthe form of a tube also described more fully herein. The fluid flowelement can take a number of configurations, and may have a number offunctions. The fluid flow element in one form is formed different fromthe surrounding support structure, generally termed herein as the “bladecore.” For example, the fluid flow element may be formed from adifferent material than that of the surrounding support structure, ormay be formed at a different time than the surrounding supportstructure. As mentioned in some of the examples, the surrounding supportmay be formed from metal whereas the fluid flow element may be formedfrom a number of other materials from plastics, to other metals or othercombinations of materials such as composites. In another example, thefluid flow element can be formed at a different time than the supportstructure and later inserted, incorporated or otherwise made a part ofthe tool. For example, the support structure may be formed from metaland the fluid flow element may be formed from the same metal but addedlater, either alone or with another component, such as an adhesive. Whenformed at a different time and inserted or incorporated later, analysisof the assembly generally would show that the support structure and thefluid flow element are different. In typical examples, however, astructure formed at a different time than the support structure andadded at a later time will not have characteristics identical to that ofthe support structure forming the passage ways 190, to reliably containfluid pressure and/or chemical effects of a fluid in the fluid flowelement.

Examples of fluid flow elements include those formed from materials andconfigured in such a way as to contain fluid pressures expected underoperating conditions, and/or to contain any chemical effects that mightoccur from using the particular fluid in the tool. In the examplesdescribed herein, the fluid flow elements are formed and combined withthe support structure to withstand fluid pressure better than withoutthe fluid flow element, and to withstand the effects of the presence ofthe particular fluid better than without the fluid flow element. In manyof the examples described, a plastic tube is an acceptable fluid flowelement. However, while one configuration of fluid flow element mayperform better or have better characteristics when incorporated into thesupport structure than another, it should be understood that differenttool operating conditions may permit such variations without adverselyaffecting the expected operation of the tool over the expected lifetimeof the tool. In the examples herein, the fluid flow elements will bedescribed with a focus on relatively high speed applications under theconditions normally found in concrete cutting. However, fluid flowelements having other configurations than the examples herein mayoperate suitably and still achieve one or more of the benefitsdescribed.

The fluid flow element 194 has at least a portion extending between thedriving portion 184 and the working portion 182. The fluid flow elementhas at least one wall, for example wall 196, adjacent the passage way190. The fluid flow element provides a fluid passage way within thepassage way 190 to allow fluid to flow there within. The fluid flowelement in the saw blade 180 allows fluid to flow from openings 198(FIG. 6) radially outward to the gullets 192. It also provides arelatively free-flowing passage way over the lifetime of the saw bladeand reduces the possibility of fluid contacting internal surfaces of thesupport structure and/or driving portion of the saw blade. The fluidflow element may also make easier assembly of the saw blade in a waythat allows free flow of fluid over the lifetime of the saw blade.

The fluid flow element 194 preferably extends the entire distance fromthe openings 198 forming respective inlets to the gullets 192, at whichthe outlets are formed, and fully encloses the area between the ends toform a fluid tight, fluid pressure resistant and fluid impervious flowpath between the respective inlet and the respective outlet. The fluidflow element is within and supported by the adjacent walls of thesupport structure. In this configuration, the amount of internal surfacearea of the structural support for the saw blade that may be contactedby the fluid is reduced. Likewise, the first wall 196 extends adjacentthe passage way 190 the entire distance between the respective inlet andthe outlet at the gullet. As depicted in FIG. 6, the fluid flow element194 extends radially relative to the saw blade and longitudinallyrelative to an axis of the fluid flow element.

The fluid flow element 194 is shown in FIG. 7 in transversecross-section. In this example, the fluid flow element defines a fullyenclosed channel 200, and the walls forming the closed perimeter for thechannel help to reduce the possibility of contact between the fluidwithin the channel and the internal surface portions of the saw blade inthe area of the fluid flow element. The closed perimeter preferablyextends the entire length of the fluid flow element.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the fluid flow element 194 is configuredas a rectangular tube inserted, placed or otherwise incorporated as aninitially separate structure and thereafter incorporated into the bladeor other tool. (Such a configuration will sometimes be referred toherein as separately manufactured or separately inserted, for example.)It extends longitudinally the entire distance from the respectiveopening 198 to the gullet. The first wall 196 for purposes of referencewill be considered to be the inner wall of the tube and a second wall202 opposite the first wall 196 will be considered to be the outer wallof the tube. The third wall 204 will be termed the forward wall and thefourth wall 206 will be turned the rear or trailing wall. Thisnomenclature is used relative to a selected rotation of the saw blade,as viewed in FIGS. 5 and 6, where the saw blade 180 would be used in adown cut operation and the saw blade is mounted to a saw with thevisible side of the saw blade shown in FIG. 5 closest to the saw. Withthis orientation, the third wall 204 is the forward or leading wall inthe direction of rotation indicated by the arrow 208 (FIGS. 5-7).

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the first and second walls are longerthan the third and fourth walls, and preferably significantly longer. Asshown in FIG. 7, the lengths of the first and second walls are more thantwice that of the third and fourth walls, and preferably more than threetimes the length of the third and fourth walls. In this configuration,the surface area of contact of the fluid along the walls of the tube isgreater for a unit longitudinal length for the first and second wallsthan for the third and fourth walls. A possible ratio of the first wallto the third wall may be approximately 0.250:0.030 inch. For a tube thatis non-diverging and non-converging, the overall magnitude of the lengthof the first wall between the third and fourth walls may be determinedin part by the blade diameter, the distance of the respective opening198 from the center 210 (FIGS. 5 and 6) and the spacing between adjacenttubes in the area of the openings 198. For a diverging tube, themagnitude of the length of the first wall may increase as the tubeextends radially outward. Consequently, the surface area of contactbetween the fluid and the tube may vary, and preferably increases withincreasing radius. Such variation may improve heat transfer from theblade to the fluid for a given fluid temperature at a given point on theblade.

The outside thickness of the tube between the first and second walls maybe approximately 0.030 inch and possibly 0.035 inch, depending on thedisc dimensions, and between the third and fourth walls may be about0.250 inch or more. The distance between the third and fourth walls maybe less than 0.250 inch also, though the maximum flow rate would belower as well.

The tube preferably has a relatively thin wall thickness. The wallthickness is preferably chosen so as to provide acceptable heat transferacross the wall while having sufficient wall strength to withstand anycompressive forces that may develop between the sides of the saw blade.The wall thickness is also preferably sufficient to withstand anypossible internal pressures that might occur inside the tube from fluidflow, minimizing any possible tendencies of the wall to collapse. Forsaw blades having thicknesses described herein and tubes constructed asdescribed herein, the tube wall thickness is preferably about 0.003 and0.005 inch, but it can be less and it can be more and as much as 0.010inch or more. The tube dimensions generally determine the maximum flowrate of the fluid through the tube.

The tube is preferably formed from a material that is impervious to thefluid with which the saw blade is to be used. In concrete saws, thefluid is typically water and is the fluid intended to be used in thepresent examples, and the tube may be made from water-insolublematerials. For example, the tube can be formed from plastics, eitherthermo-setting or thermoplastic, or other suitable materials. Possiblematerials include PFA or perfluoroalkoxy compounds, polyethylene, PVC,polystyrene, as well as other materials. In one example, the tube isformed from fiber-reinforced plastic, and fiber may include glassfibers, carbon fibers, as well as other fibers. The fibers may bedistributed randomly, or they may be distributed or oriented in aselected orientation, for example a five harness arrangement or an eightharness arrangement.

Each tube may be extruded or formed in other known methods. The tubeshown in the example of FIG. 7 has a rectangular cross-section, and thejunctions between adjacent sides may be formed as desired to give thedesired strength or structural integrity. The junctions may be roundedor smooth. Additionally, one or more of the surfaces of the tube mayhave ribs, protrusions or other non-flat structures to improve thestructural integrity of the tube. Additionally, as noted above, the tubemay include material modifications such as fiber reinforcement.

A saw blade preferably has at least one flow channel and preferably morethan one, for example at least two. In the example shown in FIG. 5, thesaw blade has 20 fluid flow elements or waterways, and 20 waterways maybe suitable for a 24 inch diameter blade. In the example shown, awaterway is provided for every other gullet, and each waterway includesa respective inlet. However, it should be understood that a single inletcan be provided for multiple waterways. In other alternatives, waterwayscan be provided for every third, every fourth, every fifth or every sixgullet, and so on. Furthermore, the waterways can be arranged with aspacing other than a constant number. However, it is believed thatrelatively even, uniform or symmetric distribution of the waterwaysabout the saw blade is preferred. It should also be understood that thenumber, distribution and spacing of waterways may vary depending on thediameter of the blade. Larger diameter blades provide more flexibilityin selecting the number, distribution and spacing of the waterways, aswell as the sizes of the fluid flow elements.

The fluid flow elements in the passage ways 190 may also take the formof coatings, films or one or more layers of materials or configurationsto minimize or counteract the formation of rust or other oxidation oraction on the materials in area of the fluid. These fluid flow elementsinitially have little or no structure of their own but are thereafteradded or otherwise applied to the blade core structure to form the fluidflow element. These structures will sometimes be referred to as integralor applied structures in the passageways. Rust inhibitors may be used asa coating between the passage way 190 and the internal sides of the sawblade core. For example, internal surfaces of the passage way or of thesides of the core may be sprayed or otherwise coated with suitablematerials, for example cadmium, zinc oxide or other materials. Suchinhibitors may be particularly useful in the area of a gullet. Coatings,films or layers of materials may also be used together with other fluidflow elements that may be in the form of structures inserted into thetool, such as tubes and the like. The coatings may be deposited, sprayedas a fluid or by ion deposition, or applied in other ways to produce thedesired structure.

Other examples of applied structures in the passage ways may include theuse of polymers used for forming a channel or other flow passage withinone or more of the passage ways 190. For example, a soluble material maybe used as a core around which a polymer or other containment materialmay be applied. For example, the material is applied between the coreand the passage way 190. Once the material is cured, set or otherwisestabilized, the core is dissolved or otherwise removed to form theinterior passage of the fluid flow element. The core may be formed froma wax, heated or dissolved, a foam, for example one that may be etchedaway with acid, acetone or other solvent, or the core may be formed fromremovable pins, rods or other structures. A possible polymer materialmay include DP-420 from 3M.

In the saw blade example of a tool shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, water is acommon cooling fluid for the saw blade and enters the saw blade throughone or more of the inlet openings 198. Water may be supplied to theblade through the blade drive shaft in a manner such as that shown inU.S. Pat. No. 3,282,263, incorporated herein by reference. Water mayenter the blade through the near side or from both sides of the blade.Considering the saw blade shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 8, cooling waterenters one or more of the inlet openings 198 and flows into tubes 194within the respective passage ways 190. The water flows radially outwardthrough the tube, absorbing heat from the blade as it moves toward theworking portion of the blade. The water than exits the respective tubein the area of the working portion, which then helps to cool the workingportion and flush debris from the kerf.

In the saw blade example of FIGS. 5-7, the support structure and thedriving portion are integral with each other or are part of the samestructure. The support structure and driving portion are provided by theblade core 212, which in this example includes two outer disc portionsand an intermediate or medial disc. Specifically, the core 212 includesan inside disc 214 and an outside disc 216. The inside disc 214 isadjacent the saw and includes the inlet openings 198 (FIGS. 5 and 6).The inlet openings receive cooling water from an appropriatelyconfigured blade flange. The outside disc 216 may also include inletopenings for supplying cooling fluid to the tubes 194 from a bladeflange, but in the example shown in FIG. 10, no fluid inlets areprovided and fluid enters only through the inlet openings 198 on theinside disc 214. The inside and outside discs 214 and 216 includerespective center openings 218 and 220 formed sufficiently large toaccommodate the blade drive shaft.

Each of the inside and outside discs are substantially planar with asubstantially uniform thickness from the center openings to the outerperimeters, except for example for the inlet openings 198, and if used,a drive hole 222 extending through each of the discs for certain saws.The holes 222 can also or instead be used as a key hole or forregistration. Some blades do not use drive holes in the blade, butinstead rely for drive transmission on the clamping force of the bladeflange. The registration openings 222 receive a drive pin when used todrive the blade, or they may receive a registration pin or otheralignment structure. The pin extends from one blade flange toward andpreferably to the opposite blade flange. The openings and correspondingpin help to align one or more points or areas on one or both bladeflanges with respective points or areas on the saw blade. Additionalregistration or alignment structures can be used, if desired. In oneconfiguration of a blade, registration or alignment can be used to alignthe inlet openings 198 in the blade with corresponding openings in theadjacent blade flange or drive shaft or adjacent structures. Fluid fromthe blade flange flows from a given opening into a corresponding opening198 in the saw blade.

The inlet openings 198 are shown as all positioned the same distancefrom the center of the inside disc 214. Alternatively, various ones ofthe inlet openings 198 can be positioned at different distances from thecenter. For example, alternate inlet openings can fall on one imaginarycircle having a first diameter, and the other inlet openings can fall onanother imaginary circle having a second diameter. In another example,some or all of the inlet openings can be positioned relative to thecenter of the inside disc 214 other than in a circular pattern, forexample as in a spiral where each inlet opening is further away from thecenter than the immediately preceding inlet opening. The distance of agiven inlet opening 198 from the center of the disc (and the wall of thecenter opening 220) may be selected based on several considerations. Inone example, the size of the blade flange, for example the blade flangediameter, may limit how far the openings can be positioned away from thecenter. In another example, the amount of material between the centeropening 220 and the inlet openings 198 is important to the structuralintegrity of the blade core, and it may be desirable to reduce theamount of material removed from this area of the blade core.

The shapes of the openings 198 are shown as being identical to eachother and being round. The openings 198 can take other configurations,and may be oval, tear-shaped, for example with the narrow portionextending radially inward or radially outward, or polygon shaped.Alternatively, the openings can have a number of shapes, for example asdetermined by desired flow characteristics corresponding to therespective fluid flow element. The shapes of the openings 198 can alsovary from the shapes of the corresponding openings, if any, in theadjacent blade flange for supplying fluid to the blade.

The inside and outside discs in the core of FIG. 10 for a segmentedblade core such as that shown in the Figures also include gullets 224,which are often U-shaped cut outs extending substantially radiallyinward from the otherwise circular, outer-most perimeter of therespective disc. The configurations of each gullet in the example shownin FIGS. 5, 6 and 10 are substantially the same as the common U-shapedgullets, except as otherwise described herein, for example with respectto the nozzles. Adjacent gullets define between them lands orprojections 226 to which are mounted respective working portions 182 inthe form of diamond-containing sintered segments and attached by laserwelding or other means for fixing the segments to the blade core. For acontinuous blade, the inside and outside discs are formed with arelatively uniformly circular outer rim to which the sintered cuttingmaterial is fixed.

The openings 198, 218, 220, 222 and the gullets 224 are formed in thediscs in a conventional manner, such as laser cutting. The centeropenings 218 and 220 are preferably formed so as to provide a snug fitbetween the blade core and the outside surface of the blade shaft arboror a suitable sleeve over the arbor.

The inside and outside discs 214 and 216, respectively, are formed fromconventional materials, such as steel, and have a configuration andthickness which is substantially similar to that of conventional discs.Each disc may be approximately 0.050 in. in thickness, and the overallblade thickness may be about 0.125 to 0.130 inches. The overall bladethickness is then determined by the thickness of the material andstructures between inside and outside discs.

The intermediate material and structures between the inside and outsidediscs can take a number of configurations. A first structure in the formof a medial or intermediate structural support disc 228 extends radiallyoutwardly from a center opening 230 also formed sufficiently large toreceive the blade drive shaft. The medial disc 228 can be formed from anumber of materials, for example metals including steel, copper andother metals or plastic, thermoplastic composites or other materialsthat can withstand the stresses developed in the blade during operation.In one example, the medial disc is formed from the same material as theinside and outside discs. The outer perimeter 232 of the medial disc isformed to have the conventional configuration for concrete saw blades.For a segmented blade, the medial disc is formed with gullets 234 andextension portions 236 adjacent to which the working portions 182 in theform of diamond-containing sintered segments are laser welded orotherwise fixed. For a continuous blade, the medial disc is formed witha relatively uniformly circular outer rim adjacent to which the sinteredcutting material is fixed. While other tool configurations are possibleusing intermediate or medial sections, the examples shown in thedrawings focus on segmented saw blades.

The examples described herein use a plurality of discs to form alaminated blade, namely an inside disc, a medial disc and an outsidedisc. While other combinations are possible, three disc elements aresuitable for achieving one or more of the benefits of the fluid flowassemblies described herein. In one example, both of the outer discs areapproximately 0.050 inch in thickness and/or formed from 4140-4135 OQTsteel with a Rockwell C hardness between 40 and 44. The discs may alsobe formed from other stainless steels, including 4140 or 4130, or otherstrong materials, and preferably compatible with laser welding, and withthe DC to or other materials used in the blade. The inside and outsidediscs are formed and configured substantially identical to each other.The medial or inner disc in this example is approximately 0.057 inchthick and formed from the same steel as the outer discs. Alternatively,the medial disc may be formed from other materials, including aneight-harness ultra-high modulus composite CRFP material. The fiberreinforcement may be carbon, glass, including E glass, and S glass. Thereinforcement may also be less dense than an eight harness polymorphiclayout, or the fiber can be chop. Dis-similar metals can also be used,including a non-corrosive aluminum, but such other metals may requirecoating to reduce galvanic action. The medial section may also be formedfrom a closed cell foam or other materials. The surfaces of the discsfacing each other preferably have a high surface area for contact of theadhesive, and may be treated as discussed herein.

In another example, the same discs can be used but the thicknesses ofthe outer discs can be reduced to less than 0.050 inch. For example,outer discs can be a reduced to thicknesses less than 0.050 inch andpossibly down to 0.030 inch. Other configurations may have the outsidediscs approximately 0.050 inch and the medial disc 0.030 inch for a 24inch blade.

The channels formed in the medial disc preferably have the same orapproximately the same width between adjacent disc portions as thethickness of the medial disc. Therefore, for example, where the medialdisc is 0.057 inch thick, the cuts formed in the medial disc forreceiving the respective tube is also approximately 0.057 inch wide. Thecuts may be wider, for example to allow an oval-shaped tube profile,such as that shown in FIGS. 7A and 7D.

The sintered segments are conventional segments and are formed andapplied to the saw blade core in conventional ways. The preferred methodof mounting the segments to the core is by laser welding, but some coreconfigurations may permit soldering, brazing or other forms of welding.The segments are preferably formed from a sintered matrix ofdiamond-containing tungsten carbide. Unless otherwise indicated herein,the diamond matrix segments example of the working portion areconfigured, formed and fixed to the blade core as is known to oneskilled in the art.

The medial disc 228 includes at least partially circular or other shapedopenings in the form of inlet openings 238 positioned radially outward aselected distance from the opening 230 (FIG. 13). The shapes andpositions of the inlet openings 238 preferably conform to the size,shape and configuration of the inlet openings 198 in the inside disc 214(FIG. 5 and 8). The inlet openings 238 help to pass the fluid from thesaw into the tubes 194.

The medial disc 228 also includes cutaway portions in the form ofchannels or slots 240. The slots 240 in this example extend exactlyradially from a center portion of a respective inlet opening 238 to acenter portion of a respective gullet 234. The slots can be offset froma radius or they can extend from an inlet opening on one radius to agullet on another radius. Alternatively, one or more slots may follow aradius while one or more other slots may be off a radius. The slots inthe example of FIGS. 5-11 each have respective parallel sides 242 and244 extending substantially parallel to the radius which would extenddown the center of the slot from the opening 238 to the respectivegullet 234. Alternatively, the sides of each slot may converge towardthe gullet or may diverge in the direction of the gullet. As a furtheralternative, the sides of one slot may be parallel while the sides ofanother slot may converge or diverge. The slots are shown as straightbut they may be curved or other than straight, and they may also beconfigured to conform to the shape of the tube.

The slots 240 are dimensioned so that they easily accept a respectivetube 194. Each tube in this example extends the entire distance from therespective opening 238 to the gullet 234. The dimensions in the exampleof FIG. 7 are such that the tube can be easily placed between the sidesof the slot manually or by machine, while still leaving sufficient spacefor adhesive, a bonding agent or other material suitable for holding thetube in place in the slot and between the inside and outside discs.Adhesive is shown at 246 in FIG. 7. The exploded and cutaway sectionview of the slot 240 and the adjacent components in FIG. 7 exaggeratesthe spacing between adjacent materials for use of viewing, but it shouldbe understood from the description herein that adhesive contacts thetube 194, the slot 240 and the inside and outside discs.

The tube 194 (and any of the other fluid flow elements between the inletand the outlet described herein) can have a number of configurations.Exemplary configurations will include one or more desirable featuresincluding good heat transfer, strength (for example against collapse andagainst water pressure, particularly under the curing temperatures andoperating temperatures can be experienced by the blade), flexibility forassembly and handling, chemical compatibility with surrounding materialsand with the fluid intended to be used in the flow channel. Thecross-sectional profile can be square, rectangular, round, oval,circular, triangular, or any other shape, geometric or otherwise,uniform or non-uniform. The structure can be a fully enclosed flow pathas with a tube, where the tube structure forms a complete enclosure, incross-section, or the structure can be open to form a flow channel (suchas a U-channel) in combination with adjacent structures such as one ormore of the core sections. The cross-sectional configuration of thestructure can be constant over the length of the flow channel, or it mayvary. Converging or divergent portions may be included for flow control,pressure variations, or the like. The structure can also have more thanone flow channel, either identical or each with their ownconfigurations. The structures may also include ribs or other structuralreinforcement incorporated at desired locations to provide the desiredreinforcement. Any of the fluid flow elements described herein can beincorporated into blades and other tools, some examples of which aredescribed herein, and they can be combined as desired with one or moreof the other elements in the fluid flow path to form the desiredassembly.

A few exemplary cross-sectional profiles are illustrated in FIGS. 7A-Din conjunction with positioning between the inside disc 214 and theoutside disc 216, and inserted in the channels 240 of the medial disc228. Each of the tubes 194 is configured in conjunction with theadjacent discs to have a uniform and predictable fit into the channels.With a predictable fit, the thickness of the polymer or adhesive betweenthe tube 194 and the adjacent structures is also uniform andpredictable. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7A-D, each of the tubes 194is dimensioned and positioned so that four sides of the tube touch theadjacent surfaces, and the adhesive fills any voids between them eitherupon application of the adhesive or during curing. Additionally, polymeror adhesive in the regions of the corners of the tubes help tostrengthen the bond joint between the medial core section and theadjacent inside or outside disc at the point where the medial coresection transitions to the channel 240. Moreover, the combination of thetube or other flow element and the polymer or adhesive help tostrengthen any blade lamination structure, particularly in side loading.In the configuration shown in FIG. 7, the tube corners are relativelysquare so that the adhesive thickness is more uniform around allsurfaces of the tube 194.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 7A, the tube 194A is an elongate ovalwith relatively straight sides along the long axis. The ends arerelatively rounded so that the adjacent corners can be filled withadhesive 246A. The tube 194A provides relatively high flow volume.However, if an inlet fitting such as one described more fully below isused, the circumferential space occupied by all of the inlet fittingstogether may be greater than desired. For example, the inlet fittingsmight be staggered in order for the inlet fittings to be accommodatedwithin a conventional blade flange and still have the inlet fittingsspaced about 0.020 inch radially inward from an O-ring in the bladeflange. With an elongate transverse dimension such as that shown in FIG.7A, a bridge or other transverse support may extend across the shortaxis longitudinally of the tube 194A to reduce the possibility that awall might collapse inward during assembly, when adhesive is applied orduring curing. Strength to resist inward bowing can also be provided byribs or other strengthening structures, reinforcement such asreinforcing fibers or by choice of materials.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 7B, the tube 194B is circular incross-section, forming a substantially right circular cylinder extendingradially within the blade. Four sides of the tube contact adjacent sidesof the core elements, and relatively predictable amounts of adhesive canfill the triangular-shaped spaces between the tube 194B and the adjacentcore elements. A circular cross-section can better resist external loadsby itself than can the profile shown in FIG. 7A.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 7C, the tube 194C is substantiallysquare in cross-section. The outside flat surfaces of the tube 194Cprovide a relatively high surface area of contact for the polymer oradhesive immediately adjacent the parallel flat surfaces of the adjacentcore elements. The corners of the tube 194C are shown as slightlyrounded, and the degree of rounding or the radius can be increased ordecreased as desired. The amount of rounding will affect the amount ofadhesive that can be accommodated outside the corners.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 7D, the tube 194D is substantiallyoval in cross-section. The tube can be produced with an ovalcross-section or the tube can be produced with a more circularcross-section and forced into an oval cross-section during assembly andcured with the oval cross-section. The sides of the oval along the majoraxis have greater surface areas of contact with the adjacent coreelements than the sides along the minor axis. Additionally, a relativelylarger amount of adhesive 246D occupies the corners around the tube194D.

It is noted that in FIGS. 7A-D the channels 240 in the medial disc haveside walls that are perpendicular to the side faces of the discs. Theseside walls defining the leading and trailing edges of the flow channels240 can have a number of configurations, including slanted walls,concave walls for example to capture a round tube, or convex walls forexample to give a larger surface area for adhesive, or a combination ofa straight and a curved wall. The straight walls are shown in FIGS. 7A-Dfor simplicity and for purposes discussion.

The tube 194 can also be formed from a number of materials, exclusivelyor as a combination of materials. Materials can include plastic such asnylon, polyethylene, PVC or other plastics, metal, or polymers includingadhesives (particularly epoxy compounds capable of covalent and ionicbonding), which polymers may be formed as layers, coatings or films onthe adjacent structures for forming the flow channel. Possible layers,coatings or films may include light film plastics, waxes such as carnubawax, heavy film plastics, Dry Lube compounds, ceramic coatings, rubberor similar polymeric materials, and paints or other like coatings.Materials may include composites, including those formed with glass orcarbon fibers, graphite, E-glass, S-glass and other composites. Thematerial may also include fiber, glass or other reinforced plastics, andfiber reinforced materials can include random or oriented fibers. Metalmaterials may also include metal coatings, anodized surfaces or othercoatings, for example to reduce chemical interaction. Aluminum materialscan be anodized or hard anodized aluminum. Alternatively, while strengthis a desirable attribute, the tube can be formed with lower strength,for example is a thin film, coating, deposited surface, and the like.Such thin structures would produce good heat transfer.

It has been found that tubular flow elements such as circular tubes 194Bformed from PET tubing provide acceptable results. Advanced PolymersPEBEX 72D PET heat stabilized tubing is a suitable flow element forlarge (greater than 16 inch) blades for cutting concrete at high speeds(between 3500 rpm and 1000 rpm for small blades, between 1500 rpm and1000 rpm for medium blades and between 1000 rpm and 600 rpm for largeblades). It is to be understood that the discussion herein of examplesof rotary blades are described in the context of such concrete cuttingblades operating at the identified high speeds, as such blades have beentested. The wall thickness of the circular tubing may be about 0.00025inch to 0.0050 inch with a tolerance of about 0.0005 inch. The insidediameter may be about 0.045 inch, and in one example of the tube usedwith an additional nozzle structure (as distinguished from the tube endbeing the flow outlet), the tube has a wall thickness of about 0.0050and the tube opens out into a nozzle flow channel approximately 0.0725inch in diameter. The tube outside diameter is about 0.055 inch. Thedurometer of the material may be about 72D. Other dimensions, includingwall thicknesses, inside profiles and outside profiles may be used aswell, depending on the desired configuration of the passage ways in theblade core.

Flow elements such as the tubes 194 can be incorporated in the bladecore as desired. Flow elements can be included for every cuttingsegment, every other segment, every third segment, every fourth segment,or in other combinations. For continuous rim blades or other continuoustools, flow elements can be incorporated as desired. Generally, it isdesired to have sufficient number of flow elements to maintain the bladetemperature and/or remove debris as desired without significantlycompromising the strength of the tool. For example, the large number offlow elements might reduce the strength of the tool, possibly withoutsufficient added benefit for the larger number of flow elements. In oneexample of a 24 inch blade having 40 segments, it is believed thatapproximately 20 flow channels would be suitable. For blades thatoperate at lower temperatures, fewer flow channels may be acceptable,but it is believed that 20 flow channels for a high speed 24 inch bladehaving 40 segments are efficiently configured to have a uniform orsymmetric distribution about the tool.

The flow elements may be integrated into or made part of the medial coresection. In one example, an integral flow element may be formed as acoating, deposited material or otherwise formed in the cavity defined bythe inside and outside discs and the channels or slots 240 in the medialdisc. As with a separately manufactured flow element such as the tube194, an integral flow element may be round, square, rectangular, oval,tapered or any other shape.

The flow elements generally extend from points adjacent a fluid inlet torespective points adjacent the fluid outlets. In the examples describedherein, the flow elements such as the tubes 194 extend from pointsadjacent the blade flange to points adjacent the cutting segments orother working elements on the tool. In the example described withrespect to FIGS. 5-15, the flow elements extend in the channels or slots240 from the inlet openings 198 to the gullets 192. The flow elementscan terminate flush with the gullet surfaces or they can extend intofree space within the gullets. If the flow elements are used with inletfittings and/or specific nozzle structures, the flow elements willtypically extend from the inlet fittings to the nozzle structures.

Adhesive may be omitted from the fluid flow elements in situations wherea tube is held in place by other means, such as inter-engagement withadjacent surfaces in the medial disc. While adhesive is also desirableto minimize fluid entry from the fluid inlet into areas between thediscs, mechanical flow blocks may be used to limit such fluid entrancebetween the discs. For example, a reservoir may be formed integral witha tube to receive fluid from the inlet opening 198 and channel the fluidinto the tube. In another example, a flange, baffle or other obstructionmay be positioned between the tube and the adjacent walls to block flow.Such a baffle or other obstruction may be formed integral with the tubeor formed separate.

The medial disc 228 may also be formed as a composite offiber-reinforced plastic or other material having fiber reinforcement.In the example of a plastic composite, the plastic may be any number ofplastics suitable for forming composite structures, and thereinforcement may take the form of carbon or glass fibers or a hybridcomposite. Carbon, or graphite, fibers can also be used as reinforcementwith other materials. The fiber reinforcement is preferably configuredto be oriented as desired, and the orientation may have a number ofconfigurations, including a four or five harness layout, or an eightharness or a polymorphic layout. Other layouts are also possible. Inthis example, the configuration of the medial disc 228 may otherwise bethe same as previously described.

In the example of the blade core shown in FIG. 10, the inside, outsideand medial discs, 214, 216 and 228, respectively, and the tubes 194 arefixed in-place by adhesive 246 (FIGS. 7 and 10). The adhesive preferablybonds to each surface of one component that is opposite a surface of anadjacent component, thereby bonding the two adjacent surfaces together.

A number of polymers may be used to fix the discs together or to holdthe tubes in place (or both). In these examples, the polymer holds theinside, medial and outside discs together, along with the tubes 194 whena polymer is used to fix the tubes in place. The polymer is in the formof an adhesive 246 (FIGS. 7, 10 and 12) and preferably has a high shearstrength to withstand the shear forces developed between the discsduring normal operation and a high peel strength. The peel strength/tearresistance may be in the area of about 5000 psi. Other desirablecharacteristics include an organic based compound, which may be a twopart epoxy, having strong covalent and ionic bonding characteristics.The adhesive also has as high a glass transition temperature aspossible, and preferably higher than the maximum temperature at whichthe blade might operate, to minimize the possibility that temperaturemight affect the strength of the adhesive. Another desirable feature ofthe adhesive is significant impregnation of the adhesive into metalsurfaces, such as the adjacent metal surfaces of the inside and outsidediscs 214 and 216, respectively. The extent of any impregnation of theadhesive into the medial disc 228 will depend on the surfacecharacteristics of the medial disc. In any case, after the shearstrength and glass transition temperature characteristics, the bondingability of the adhesive to the adjacent surfaces is preferablyoptimized. Deep penetration into the surface of the adjacent componentis preferred.

To enhance bonding of the adhesive to the inside and outside discs, thesurfaces of those discs and the medial disc contacted by the adhesivecan be prepared to enhance bonding or impregnation. For example, thosesurfaces can be treated, such as by etching including acid or otherchemical etching, scoring, abrading, sand or other particle blasting,surface perforation (one surface generally for perforation) or othersurface modification process, to enhance the bonding of the adhesive tothe surface. Surface treatment techniques can also be applied to themedial disc 228, if desired, to enhance the bonding of the adhesive tothe surfaces of the medial disc. In one example where the medial disc ismetallic, the surfaces can be treated to enhance bonding of theadhesive. Treatment of the desired surfaces preferably increases one orboth of the ionic and available bonding characteristics of the adhesivewith the metal, composite or other disc materials. An example of apossible adhesive that can be used in conjunction with a disc is theScotch-weld brand epoxy adhesive DP-420 from 3M. It may be applied so asto have a thickness during curing of about 0.003-0.005 inch. Theadhesive (as with any of the lamination adhesives discussed herein) canalso be applied to thicknesses between 0.002-0.005 and even up to 0.012in., but 0.003-0.005 is preferred. The DP-420 may also be used as a rustor oxidation inhibitor for the flow channels, for example where meansother than the described polymers are used to hold the discs together.Another polymer may be an epoxy by Devcon, Model Epoxy Plus 25, whichDevcon states is a rubber-toughened, high viscosity, structural adhesivewith superior impact, peel and fatigue resistance. It has a T-peel of20-25 pli, a tensile lap shear of about 2750 psi at a 0.010 inchbondline, and a hardness of 74 Shore D. The mixed viscosity is about70,000 cps. The service temperature is about −40 degrees Farenheit toabout 200 degrees Farenheit. Comparable adhesives, including epoxies,may also be used.

The adhesive used is also preferably immune to the effects of oils andother oil soluble compounds, as the blade is typically oil quenched. Theadhesive is also preferably water insoluble where the blade is operatedwith water coolant or otherwise in the presence of water or aqueousliquids. To reduce production time, the adhesive is also preferablyfast-curing.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the adhesive 246 essentially takes the formof the surfaces to which it is bonded. The adhesive 246 contacts theadjacent surface of the inside disc 214 or the outside disc 216 and thecorresponding adjacent surface of the medial disc 228. Little or noadhesive is found in the area of the opening 248, corresponding to theopenings 218 and 220 in the outside and inside discs, respectively.Additionally, while not shown in the drawings, little or no adhesive isfound adjacent the openings 198 to allow fluid flow to tubes, andadjacent the opening 222 for the drive or registration pin. There isalso little or no adhesive in the area of the gullets 224. Each planaradhesive layer 246 extending between either the inside disc and themedial disc or between the medial disc and the outside disc has athickness of about 0.003 to about 0.005 inches, and outside thickness ofthe tubes 194 is preferably such that the adjacent adhesive layersbetween the tubes and the inside and outside discs remain in the rangeof about 0.003 to about 0.005 inches. For those portions of the adhesivebetween a tube 194 and the adjacent surfaces of the medial disc 228(FIG. 7), the thickness of the adhesive is preferably as close to about0.003 to about 0.005 inches as manufacturing and assembly toleranceswill allow. However, the range of thicknesses of the adhesive betweenthe medial disc and an adjacent tube may vary more widely.

The adhesive 246 is preferably applied to achieve a cured thickness thatis as uniform as possible with even distribution. In one method ofapplication, the adhesive may be sprayed onto the inside surface of onedisc, for example the inside surface of the outside disc 216, and themedial disc 228 placed against the adhesive layer so that the holes 222are aligned. The tubes 194 are then positioned in their respective slots240 and against the exposed underlying adhesive coating. The next layerof adhesive 246 is then applied, such as by spraying or any of the othermethods describe herein, so that a layer of adhesive is applied to theexposed portions of the medial disc and to the exposed surfaces of thetubes 194. The adhesive also preferably extends into the un-occupiedspaces between the tubes and the medial disc. The inside disc 214 isthen placed against the exposed layer of adhesive so that the holes 222are aligned. The assembly may then be pressed, either alone or withother assembled blade cores, and cured in a manner known to one skilledin the art.

In another method for assembling the elements for a blade core, thediscs are cleaned to remove any foreign material such as oil, particlesand the like, for example using acetone. The inside disc 214 is placedon a clean flat surface. Polymer is applied to the medial disc 228through a metering gun, with polymer applied to each of the wedges ofthe medial disc. Polymer is applied beginning at a point radiallyoutward from the inlet openings 238 and ending at a point radiallyinward from the extension portions 236. The polymer may be applied as abead and afterward spread out with a blade, or the polymer may beapplied with a spreading nozzle applying a wider layer. Polymer ispreferably applied without any air pockets, for example applied where asingle bead line does not form a closed loop that might trap air withinthe loop. The medial disc 228 is then placed on the inside disc 214 withthe polymer facing the inside disc and the holes 222 and gullet openingsaligned. Locating pins or other structures may also be used to registerthe discs as desired. The tubes 194 are then inserted, pressed orotherwise positioned in the channels 240, along with any additionalcomponents, if any. The tubes 194 may be dimensioned so that theupstream ends extend into free space in the openings 238 and into freespace in the gullets 234. Additional bead lines of polymer are thenapplied and spread in like manner to the opposite faces of each of thewedges of the medial disc, and the outside disc 216 placed against thefacing surface of the medial disc 228 and registered in place using theholes 222 and the gullets 224.

The blade core is then pressed and cured for a sufficient time to curethe polymer (24 hours to 36 hours), for example using a multiple-tonpress. Heat or other means may be used to accelerate or more completelycure the blade core. Under pressure, polymer spread into the spacesaround the tubing and the channels 240 in the medial disc. Excesspolymer, if any, would be forced out the perimeter of the blade core.The excess lengths of tube are then trimmed from the inlet openings andthe gullets, for example using a hot knife or other cutting process. Theperimeter edges of the blade are then ground on a grinding machine toensure that the perimeter edges of the three disks of the core areflush, and aligned, and providing a suitable surface for attaching thesegments. The extension portions 236 and the segments are then laserwelded to fix the core elements together and to attach the segments.When using laser welding, it is preferred to maintain at least a quarterinch spacing between the laser weld and any plastic components tominimize heat to those components. Additionally, polymer may, but neednot be, kept about a quarter inch from any laser welds, for example ifit is found that the laser welds affect the polymer in the areas aroundany laser welds. If polymer is applied out to the perimeter of the bladecore, typical treatment of the core perimeter (such as by grinding)trims any excess polymer that might contact the outward facing surfacesof the blade discs before or during curing. The sides and tops of thesegments are then ground to expose the diamond or other cuttingelements.

In an alternative to the immediately preceding method, the polymer canbe applied through a spray application at the desired thickness.Additionally, or as an alternative, polymer can be sprayed onto theinside surface of the inside disc after which spraying the medial discis applied. The tubes are assembled, preferably before polymer isapplied, and they are assembled with any additional components, such asinlet fittings, nozzle assemblies and/or other components. The tubes ortube assemblies are then placed in the channels 240 of the medial disc.They may be snapped into place in the channels with an interference fit.The tubes are aligned with the channels, and any additional componentsare properly positioned in the medial disc and/or the inside disc, asnecessary. For example, as described elsewhere, inlet fittings andnozzle assemblies can be used to help register adjacent discs. If theoutside diameter of the tube is equal to the medial disc thickness, theoutside surfaces of the tubes touch the adjacent sides of the inside andoutside discs once assembled, and if the width of the channels 240 isequal to the tube outside diameter, the outside surface of the tubestouches the leading and trailing edges of the channel walls. A mask orother guard can be used around the arbor hole (220, 230 and 218) toreduce the possibility of polymer reaching the edge of the arbor hole.As noted previously with respect to FIG. 7, if the tube is dimensionedto have all four sides touching the adjacent surfaces of the discs, thepolymer will have a relatively uniform thickness at respective pointsaround the tube and the polymer is more likely to uniformly fill thevoids at the corners of the channels 240 around the tube.

In another method of application, one or both of the adhesive layers maybe applied as a liquid or spray. The adhesive may be applied by passingthe exposed surface of the disc or other component to be coated across aline or sheet of flowing or sprayed adhesive material. The adhesive flowrate and the relative rate of movement of the disc or other componentare selected to achieve the desired thickness of adhesive.

A further method of application may include applying the adhesive as atape or other thin film, with or without an application or backingsheet, to the target surface. The adhesive film may already be in theshape of the pattern of the surface to which it is being applied.

Other methods of application of the adhesive may include spraying orrolling the adhesive onto the target surface, or other methods ofadhesive application used with adhesives of the type described herein.Bonding agents may be used to enhance binding of the metal and thepolymer, but it is not believed to be necessary using the polymers orpolymer classes discussed herein.

It is preferable to maximize the surface area available for applicationof adhesive, and it is desirable to apply adhesive to all surfaces whichwould otherwise come into contact with each other but for theintervening adhesive. Additionally, the flow state of the adhesive maybe such as to allow adhesive to flow into any open areas betweenadjacent surfaces so as to bond those adjacent surfaces together. Insome configurations of the adhesive, the adhesive may flowing into openareas through application of pressure, such as before curing, to theinside and outside discs.

With a sufficiently fluid adhesive, some of the adhesive may enter orpool in the slots 240. Thereafter, when the tubes, for exampleexcessive-length tubes, are being or have been previously positioned inthe slots, adhesive may be forced out from adjacent areas, including atthe inlet and outlet portions of the tube. Such excessive-length tubesminimize the possibility of adhesive entering the passage way forcooling fluid when forced out adhesive flows along the tube but stopsflowing before the end of the tube. Subsequent application of additionaladhesive then allows adhesive to flow between the tubes and the adjacentsurfaces to further help fill any voids or open spaces remaining.Adhesive may be applied slightly in excess, after which application ofsuitable pressure forces excess adhesive from between the discs.However, the amount of pressure applied is preferably approximately theamount of pressure that would be used to produce the desired adhesivethickness between adjacent discs. Therefore, the adhesive thickness isnot reduced below the desired thickness.

Once the elements of the blade core have been assembled with adhesive asdesired, the blade core is cured. Pressure is applied to the sides of ablade core either alone or in combination with other blade cores, in theconventional manner. The pressure may be in the area of 5-10 psi. Theadhesive cures over time, and/or it can be cured through application ofheat, ultrasonic energy and/or other energy, for example of a magneticradiation. The side and perimeter edges of the core are then ground toprovide uniform side and perimeter surfaces. Diamond segments can thenbe applied to the core between gullets, for example by laser welding orother suitable means. The segments are preferably laser welded aroundall joining edges with the core, and the sides in tops of the segmentsare then ground to uniformity and to expose the diamond particles.

In the saw blade example of FIG. 15, the support structure and a drivingportion for the saw blade are integral with each other or are part ofthe same structure, in a manner similar to that described above withrespect to the example of FIG. 10. The support structure and drivingportion are formed by the blade core 212, including the inside disc 214,the medial disc 228 and the adhesive portions 246, all of which have thesame structures, functions and reference numerals as were previouslydiscussed. In this example, the outside disc 250 includes inlet openings252 having substantially the same structure and function as the inletopenings 198 on the inside disc 214. The inlet openings supply coolingfluid to the tubes 194 from a suitably configured blade flange. Theoutside disc 250 includes a center openings 218A formed sufficientlylarge to accommodate the blade drive shaft.

The outside disc 250 is otherwise preferably formed and configured insubstantially the same way as the outside disc 216 described withrespect to the example of FIG. 10. It includes gullets 224A separatingextension portions 226A on which cutting segments are attached. Theoutside disc 250 also includes an opening 222A to receive a pin fordriving and/or holding or registering the blade.

IV. NOZZLE CHARACTERISTICS AND EXAMPLES

In another example of a tool having a working portion and a supportstructure for the working portion that can be used with or without fluidflow elements described herein, the tool includes an area for fluidflow, such as a recess, passage way, flow channel or other region toallow fluid to move relative to the tool. The tool includes a nozzle, inone example a fluid changing portion, in fluid communication with thefluid flow recess for changing a characteristic of the fluid before thefluid exits the fluid changing portion. The fluid changing portion inone example changes a characteristic of the fluid as it occurs in thefluid flow recess to a another characteristic as the fluid exits thefluid changing portion. For example, the fluid changing portion canchange the direction of flow of the fluid, such as turning it into thedirection of movement of the tool or away from the direction ofmovement. In another example, the fluid changing portion can change thedirection of flow of the fluid to be sideways from the tool. In otherexamples, the fluid changing portion can change the flow velocity, theflow area, the shape of the flow, for example from stream to spray ordrops. As used herein, nozzle is defined as a terminal outlet member toa flow path. The nozzle may change one or more flow characteristics ofthe fluid flow, as described herein, or may transmit unchanged the flowof the fluid from the fluid flow element such as the tube.

The nozzle can also take a number of configurations. For example, thenozzle may be supported by the tool support structure or may besupported by structure which forms the fluid flow recess. The nozzle maybe formed from a number of materials, including plastic,fiber-reinforced material, and composites as well as other materialsfrom which nozzles or nozzles of these sizes may be made. The nozzle mayalso include structures, for example a valve, for changing the flowcharacteristic as a function of time or position of the tool.

In one example of a fluid flow element and a nozzle that can be combinedwith a tool, the fluid flow element may be a conduit, channel or in thepresent example a tube 254 and the nozzle may be a nozzle 256 (shownschematically in FIG. 16). The nozzle 256 may be joined to the tube 254through a conduit/nozzle interface, termed a tube/nozzle interface 258in the present example. The interface 258 may be an actual physicalstructure, a simple transition between the two parts, or simply a lineor other border between the tube and the nozzle (or an imaginary line ortransition). For example, an imaginary transition may occur in an areawhere fluid flow begins to change, or at an area upstream therefrom. Inmost of the examples described herein, the interface will be designatedas a nozzle body.

As noted above, the nozzle may direct the fluid in a direction ofmovement of the tool, against a direction of movement of tool or in adirection other than with or against the tool movement. In an examplewhere the tool is a saw blade, the nozzle may direct the fluid in thedirection of rotation of a blade, against the rotation of the blade,radially outward of the blade, or sideways from the blade. The nozzlemay change the flow cross-sectional area of the fluid, may produce aspray or fan shape or stream, or otherwise change the flow. In adiamond-segmented blade, the nozzle may direct the fluid underneath thesegments, along the blade core, or multiple nozzles may direct fluid invarying patterns from one segment to another. Other nozzles than nozzlesmay also produce the same or similar results as the nozzles describedherein. The nozzle may be formed from plastic, a composite, afiber-reinforced material or other materials.

In another example of a nozzle that may be combined with a fluid flowelement and/or a tool, the nozzle may include structures changing afluid flow characteristic as a function of time or as a function of theposition of the tool. For example, the structure may be a valveoperating to control flow in the nozzle. In another example, the toolmay be a diamond-segmented saw blade and at least one segment may bemovable to control the operation of a valve to control flow in thenozzle.

Considering the tube/nozzle interface 258 in more detail, the nozzle maybe configured to contact a portion of the tube (FIGS. 17-19). In oneexample of a nozzle 260 (FIG. 17), the nozzle includes an interface 258Ahaving a reduced-neck portion 262 sized to fit within the passage way ofits respective tube. The nozzle also includes a shoulder portion 264 torest against the end of the tube. The dimensions of the neck portion 262are preferably selected to provide a close fit with an inside matingwall of the tube, and the dimensions of the shoulder portion 264preferably provide substantially complete contact across the surface ofthe shoulder portion with the adjacent surface of the tube. In oneconfiguration of the nozzle 260, the shoulder portion extends no fartherthan the outer wall of the tube. In another configuration of the nozzle260, the shoulder portion extends farther than the outer wall of thetube and may engage other structures, for example a portion of the bladecore.

In another example of a nozzle 266 (FIG. 18), the nozzle may beconfigured to contact a portion of the tube through an interface 258Bhaving a counter bore 268. In this configuration, the interface for thenozzle is formed larger than the outside dimension of the tube so thatthe interface fits over a portion of the tube.

In a further example of a nozzle 270 (FIG. 19), the nozzle is configuredto contact a portion of the tube through an interface 258C having agroove 272 conforming to the cross-sectional shape of the tube. In thisconfiguration, the nozzle has an inner portion fitting inside the tubeand an outer portion fitting outside the tube. The outer portion mayalso include a surface or structure engaging a portion of the bladecore.

The tube/nozzle interfaces 258A, 258B, 258C and the other interfaceconfigurations including the nozzle bodies described herein can alsoinclude means for keeping the nozzle in position relative to the tubeand the adjacent blade core. For example, friction or interferencefitting surfaces can be formed on adjacent surfaces between theinterface and the tube and/or the adjacent blade core, for example withthe medial disc in the blade core. In one configuration, the tube nozzleinterface may include an enlarged base, such as that shown in FIG. 35,or other base shapes such as a triangular, trapezoidal or othergeometric or asymmetric enlargements, shoulder enlargements, latchstructures, or the like. Additionally, or alternatively, an adhesive,bonding agent or other compound may be used to hold the nozzle in place.Likewise, one or more fasteners or engagement structures can be includedwith the interface to hold the nozzle in place. In other configurations,the nozzle can be heat welded or otherwise welded to the tube and/or acore structure, riveted or pinned in or may be sandwiched in place, suchas by joining two portions of a nozzle at or around the tube or otherstructure, or by joining two portions of the tube or other structurearound part of the nozzle. Alternatively, a nozzle may be formedintegral with the tube or other passage way.

Considering nozzles in more detail, such nozzles can take a number ofconfigurations. Where the nozzle is embedded completely within the bladecore, there is no projection or extension of the nozzle away from thestructure of the blade core, for example into free space. With anembedded structure, the characteristics of the fluid flow can bechanged, but changing the direction of the fluid flow is limited ascompared to what can be produced with a nozzle configuration, where aportion of the nozzle extends to a projection or extension, for examplein free space.

While it will be understood that nozzles can take a number ofconfigurations, including incorporating combinations of features,particular features first will be isolated for purposes of discussionand discussed separately to demonstrate ranges of configurations forthose features. Particular nozzle configurations incorporating one ormore of those and other features will then be discussed, and it isunderstood that any of the nozzle features can be combined with a fluidflow element and/or a tool.

In one feature of a nozzle that may be combined with a fluid flowelement and/or a tool described herein, the fluid flow can be directedin a selected direction as determined by a flow channel 274 or otherstructure for changing the direction of flow of the fluid (FIG. 20). Theselected direction can be substantially any direction represented by aradius 276 (some of which are shown in FIG. 20) extending in a directionrepresented by an angle theta-1 anywhere within 360 degrees in the planeof the saw blade. While any units can be used to describe the directionsdiscussed herein, the units will be given here in degrees starting atzero degrees extending radially outward from the center of the blade,increasing clockwise in a circle to 360 degrees, or back to 0 degrees.Other reference points may apply for tools other than saw blades. For asaw blade where the nozzle 278 (FIG. 20) is positioned adjacent theperimeter of the blade, and the blade is presently positioned so thatthe nozzle 278 is at the top of a blade, as viewed in FIG. 20, thenozzle can direct the fluid at the angle theta-1 equal to 60 degrees, asan example. Therefore, where the blade rotates counter clockwise, thenozzle 278 now on the top of blade would be directing the fluidclockwise (along a tangent), or in a direction at least partly oppositethe direction of rotation of the blade. The fluid would also be directedin part outwardly away from the center of the blade. In another example,where the angle theta-1 is 90 degrees, the fluid would be directedopposite the direction of rotation of the blade and somewhat tangent tothe blade. Where the angle theta-1 is 180 degrees, the fluid is directedneither in the direction of or opposite the rotation of the blade, butis directed radially inward toward the center of the blade. Where theangle theta-1 is 270 degrees the fluid is directed in the same directionas the rotation of the blade and somewhat tangent to the blade, while anangle theta-1 of 360 or zero degrees directs the fluid radially outwardfrom the center of the blade. Therefore, relative to a line in the planeof the saw blade extending radially outward from a center of the blade,the angle theta-1 can be any angle between 0-360 degrees, so that fluidcan be directed at least partly at any of those angles.

The selected direction, in which the fluid flow can be directed by anozzle, may also include a component or may be partly directed in adirection represented by a radius 280, some examples of which are shownin FIG. 21. The direction of the radius 280 may extend in a directionrepresented by an angle theta-2 relative to the plane of the saw blade.Specifically, the angle theta-2 for the direction of the radius 280 mayextend anywhere from 0 degrees to 360 degrees. In one example, the anglefor theta-2 equal to 0 degrees is taken to be in the plane of the sawblade and extending in the direction of rotation if the blade wererotating counter clockwise (FIGS. 5-6), and if the nozzle 278 wasmounted at the top of the blade and the view of FIG. 21 is looking downon a top of the nozzle 278. As noted above with respect to the angletheta-1, other units and other reference points may be used to describethe direction in which the fluid goes, for example for other types oftools. As another example, the angle theta-2 may be 30 degrees, such asat 282, in which case fluid is directed partly away from the blade andpartly in the direction in which the blade is rotating. This angle maybe used to direct fluid in an area under a cutting segment. Where theangle theta-2 is 90 degrees, fluid is directed to the side away from theblade, perpendicular to the blade, such as a 284. The angle theta-2 maybe about 150 degrees as depicted at 286 where fluid is directed awayfrom the blade to one side and partly opposite the direction of rotationof the blade. This angle also may be used to direct fluid in an areaunder a cutting segment. The angle theta-2 may be 180 degrees so thatfluid is directed opposite direction of rotation of the blade andsubstantially in the plane of the blade. Between 180 and 270 degrees,fluid is being directed to the near side of the blade and partlyopposite the direction of rotation, for example under a cutting segment,and between 270 and 360 degrees, fluid is being directed to the nearside of the blade and partly in the direction of rotation, which alsomay direct fluid under a cutting segment. Therefore, relative to a linein the plane of the blade pointing in the direction of rotation of theblade, the angle theta-2 may extend in any direction between 0-360degrees from a center point on the blade and in the center of the nozzle278 shown in FIG. 21. Fluid can be directed to flow in any of thosedirections.

It should be understood that fluid need not be directed in only one ofthe directions represented by FIGS. 20 and 21, but the fluid may flow ina direction determined by a combination of the angles theta-1 andtheta-2. It can be seen that the nozzle 278 shown in FIG. 20 is depictedas being in the plane of the blade, where theta-2 for the nozzle shownin FIG. 21 is either zero or 180 degrees. Similarly, the nozzle 278shown in FIG. 21 is depicted as though theta-1 were either 90 or 270degrees (FIG. 20). However, fluid can flow in any combination of the twodirections, to almost any point on a sphere, except for substantiallyinto the blade. While a nozzle can direct fluid into the blade, wheretheta-1 is greater than 90 degrees and less than 270 degrees, andtheta-2 is approximately 0 or 180 degrees, most nozzles would bedirecting fluid to the outside of the blade. Therefore, most nozzleswould be directing fluid in any combination of directions other thaninto the blade. Additionally, smaller variations in theta-2 aregenerally preferred so as to reduce the amount of fluid that might bedirected away from the work area, thereby having no effect on thecutting operation. Additionally, selection of theta-2 may affect theconfiguration of the blade guard and fluid pickup assembly used with thesystem. For fluid recovery purposes, the spray may be kept within anenvelop defined by the width-wise spacing of the blade guard.

The particular direction for sending fluid will depend on the desiredfunction for the fluid. For example, nozzles might be directed to areasunder cutting segments to move debris from under the segments.Alternating nozzles may be directed to one side while the other nozzlesare directed to the other side. Such nozzle configurations then can beoriented in the direction of rotation, radially outward or oppositedirection of rotation, or any combination thereof. Some of thesepossible combinations are discussed further below.

In addition to flow direction, other flow characteristics that can beaffected by nozzles include the shape of the flow, dispersion of theflow, timing or frequency of the flow, as well as other flowcharacteristics. One or more aspects of each of these characteristicscan be affected by a nozzle in a blade, and several of them will bediscussed separately below.

As shown in FIGS. 22-24, nozzles can produce a number of flow shapesaccording to the structure of the nozzle mouth or mouth region, any ofwhich may be combined with a fluid flow element and/or a tool describedherein. While the mouth configurations are not shown, the desired flowshape can be produced using known technologies, and a large number offlow shapes are possible. Several are shown in the FIGURES. In oneexample, the nozzle can be configured to produce a substantiallyuniform, straight stream of fluid 288 exiting substantiallyperpendicular or normal to the face of the nozzle (FIG. 22).Additionally, for a given stream 288 or other shape, the fluid flow ratemay be configured as desired by adjusting the size of the opening orother portion of the flow path within the nozzle, represented in FIG. 22by a stream diameter 290. Where the cross-sectional configuration of thefluid flow is other than circular, the fluid flow rate may be configuredby selecting appropriate dimensions for the flow channel in the nozzle.For example, where the nozzle opening is square or rectangular, a sidedimension may be varied to produce the desired flow rate for a givenpressure. While the discussion of the nozzles herein is made in thecontext of the fluid exiting the nozzle in a manner where the pattern issymmetrical relative to the face of nozzle, it should be understood thatexisting technologies for producing flow patterns or shapes may orientthe flow pattern differently.

In addition to the ability to select the cross-sectional flowconfiguration, the flow pattern size as a function of the distance fromthe nozzle opening may be varied from one nozzle to another. Asrepresented by FIG. 23, one or more of the dimensions representing theflow pattern may vary as the fluid gets farther from the nozzle opening.Where the flow pattern has a circular cross-sectional shape, thediameter of the flow pattern may increase as the fluid gets farther fromthe nozzle. In FIG. 23, the diameter 292 closer to the nozzle is smallerthan the diameter 294 farther away. However, the pattern may maintainits circular configuration, as represented by the spray pattern 296shown in FIG. 27.

In another example, such as where the flow pattern has a substantiallyrectangular cross-sectional shape, the dimensions of one pair of sidesmay change as the flow gets further from the nozzle, for example toproduce a wand pattern 298 (FIG. 24). In a wand pattern, the spread orwidth of the flow pattern as it gets further from the nozzle openingchanges, while the length of the pattern, represented at 300 in FIG. 25remains substantially constant. Other flow patterns are also possible.Alternatively, the length changes as it gets further from the nozzlewhile the width remains substantially constant.

For flow patterns that are not symmetrical in two dimensions, the floworientation can be selected as desired. In FIG. 25, it will be assumedfor directional orientation that the saw blade is rotating counterclockwise to the left, the direction being represented by theta-1 ofzero degrees. Therefore, the flow orientation of the wand pattern 298 inFIG. 25 is 90 degrees relative to the direction of rotation of theblade. The flow orientation of the wand pattern 298 shown in FIG. 26 iszero degrees. It should be noted that the flow patterns shown in FIGS.22-24 are symmetrical about a center axis 302 of the nozzle (FIG. 24).However, the nozzle flow configuration or construction can be such thatthe pattern is not symmetrical about a center axis, but is insteadskewed or tilted away from the axis 302. Such construction may beaccomplished internally of the nozzle even though the end of the nozzlemay appear as though it were directed at an angle theta-1 of 0 degrees(FIG. 20). Therefore, flow can be directed from the nozzle at an anglewithout the nozzle facing in the same direction. Whether the nozzlefaces in the direction of the flow or the flow pattern is directed atangle to the nozzle may depend on dimension and orientationconsiderations in the particular application.

Flow patterns produced by nozzles incorporated in each channel in thetool may vary as a function of time as well. In some situations wherethe tool operates in a repetitive cycle, the flow pattern in thatsituation can be described or characterized as a function of amplitudeor flow rate and frequency or period (FIG. 28). The amplitude or size ofthe fluid packet is represented at 304, and the wave length representedat 306. Each of these may be selected as desired. In the examplerepresented in FIG. 28C, the fluid flows while the flow rate oramplitude (Y-axis) is non-zero, and flow is off while the flow rate oramplitude is zero. The length of time (X-axis) that the fluid flowscontinuously may be fixed for a given operation or may vary over thetime of the operation. For example, flow may always be on, in which casethe amplitude is constant or non-zero over time, or the flow may be onfor less than a complete cycle of tool motion, namely the flow may be onfor less than a complete rotation in the example of a rotary saw blade.In one example, flow is on for those portions of the blade that areapproaching the concrete, contacting the concrete or just exiting thecut in the concrete, and off for the remainder of the rotation.Additionally, the length of time that flow in a given channel is on maybe adjusted for a given operation or it may be adjusted during theoperation. Therefore, for a given operation using a circular saw, forexample, the amount of time that fluid flows in a channel may be shortat a start of the operation, for example while a cut is started, and theamount of time increased as the cut gets deeper. For example, flow fromthe nozzle will be turned on when the cutting segments adjacent the flowchannel or nozzle are in contact with the work surface or shortlybefore, and flow will be turned off as or after the cutting segmentsleave the work surface. Furthermore, the length of time that a segmentcontacts the cutting surface increases as the cut gets deeper.

In a further example of time variations, the flow can be pulsed, asrepresented at FIG. 28D. For example, fluid flow can be pulsed as a wayto interrupt debris flow near the blade. The line representing onerotation in FIG. 28D will depend on the number of pulses desired for agiven rotation, so the line is shown as being dashed. Additionally, thepulsing may be turned off for a longer time during a rotation than for asingle period of pulsing, and the pulse wavelength and period may bevaried as desired.

In a further example, the flow rate can vary as a function of time, forexample through a valve, so the flow rate can increase and/or decreaseover time, and the flow rate can vary within a given period. In theexample shown in FIG. 28C, the amplitude can vary as a function of timewithin a given rotation or period. In one possibility, the flow can bemade higher at the beginning of a cut and reduced as the cut progresses,or as the flow channel or nozzle leaves the cutting area. In an examplewhere the tool is a saw blade, the flow rate from a nozzle on a givenpoint of the blade may be caused to increase as the nozzle approachesthe work piece, and then decrease or go to zero after the nozzle leavesthe work piece. In the example curve shown in FIG. 28C, the amplitudewould decrease gradually rather than stay constant, as represented bythe dashed line 28C1. The variation in the amplitude can follow a numberof functions over time, as desired, with the one represented by the line28C1 having a constant and a negative slope.

As noted above, the flow characteristics that can be changed by a nozzlecan be isolated and measured and discussed as separate components, aswere discussed separately with respect to FIG. 20-28. However, any givennozzle typically will be configured to provide a selected fluid flow,and the characteristics of that selected fluid flow typically will beconsidered in the context of a combination of those separate components.Therefore, a flow direction typically will be described herein using theangles theta-1 and theta-2. A flow pattern typically will be describedusing parameters discussed with respect to FIGS. 22-28. Other parameterscan also be used to describe the flow characteristics produced by anozzle. Therefore, a number of parameters can be used to describe theflow characteristics of the nozzle used with the tool, for example todescribe the mist configuration represented by FIG. 27, the fan arraysrepresented by FIGS. 24-26, the droplet or other intermittent patternrepresented by FIG. 28, the pinpoint or stream configuration representedby FIG. 22, and the flow direction represented by the angles theta-1 andtheta-2 illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21. Additionally, it will beunderstood that some flow characteristics, such as flow rates for acyclically moving tool, can be described in several ways with the sameor similar result. In the example of a cyclical tool operating on a workpiece, the flow in a channel or through a nozzle in the tool can bedescribed as a function of time over the cycle of the tool operation,and it can also be described as a function of the location of aparticular point on the tool as the tool moves. In either case, benefitsof the present examples will still apply.

While the configuration of the nozzle itself in changing the flowcharacteristics of a fluid coming from a blade core has a significanteffect on flow conditions around the perimeter of the blade, thepositioning and orientation of the nozzle relative to the blade corewill also affect flow conditions around the blade. By way ofillustration of a basic nozzle position, FIG. 29 shows a generic nozzle308 extending into free space in the gullet 192. The nozzle is in fluidcommunication with fluid in a flow recess in the blade core 212, and inthe example shown in FIG. 29, the fluid flows in a tube 194 positionedwithin the recess in the blade core.

The configuration of the nozzle 308 relative to the blade can bedescribed in several ways, but for purposes of the present illustrationsthe nozzle will be described as extending to an outer most tip 310positioned at a radius from the center of the blade R1. By way ofillustration, where the radius R1 is equal to the radius at which thegullet 192 begins, the nozzle 308 is not extending into free spacewithin the gullet, and the outer most tip 310 coincides substantiallywith the bottom of the gullet 192. Where the radius R1 is less than theradius at which the gullet 182 begins, the outer most tip 310 isrecessed below the bottom of the gullet. In the following examples, thenozzles are configured to extend into free space, so that R1 is greaterthan the radius from the center of the blade to the bottom of thegullet.

The configuration of the nozzle 308 relative to the saw blade can alsobe described with respect to the location of the center of the openingin the nozzle relative to the center of the blade. The center openinglocation is defined in FIG. 29 as a radial distance R2 from the bladecenter. The radius R2 can be selected to place the nozzle opening closerto or farther from the cutting segment 182, and the radius can beselected so that fluid flow is directed toward the segment, along theunderside of the cutting segment or along the blade core spaced from thecutting segment.

The configuration of the nozzle 308 relative to the saw blade is alsodescribed as a function of the nozzle's lateral position relative to themiddle of the blade. As depicted in FIG. 30, the middle of the blade canbe defined by a medial plane 312 extending through the center of themedial disk (232 described previously with respect to FIG. 10), and theposition of the nozzle 308 relative to the medial plane 312 will bedescribed as an offset or Delta “D” 314 (for example in FIGS. 31-34).The offset D may be used as a substitute for or in addition to a nozzlehaving an angle theta-2 (FIG. 21) that is substantially different than 0or 180 degrees. By way of contrast, a nozzle having a zero offset D andan angle theta-2 of 180 degrees will be directing fluid at the wall ofthe gullet. A zero offset D for the nozzle 308 is represented by theposition of the nozzle in FIGS. 30 and 31.

A non-zero offset D for the nozzle 308 will be possible in a number ofsituations where the nozzle width 316 in the lateral direction (towardeither side of the blade from the medial plane) is less than thethickness 318 of the blade core, as depicted in FIG. 30. For example, inthose cases where the nozzle width 316 is approximately the same as thewidth of the tube with which it is associated, the nozzle width 316typically will be less than the core thickness 318. Consequently, thenozzle 308 can be formed so as to have an offset D to one side or theother of the medial plane 312.

A non-zero offset D is also possible for a saw blade such as thatdepicted in FIG. 30 because the cutting segments 182 typically have awidth greater than the thickness of the saw blade core. Consequently,the width of the cut formed in the work piece will be greater than theblade core thickness, and slightly greater than the outside thickness ofeach cutting segment 182. With such a wide cut, the offset D of thenozzle 308 can be significant, and even may be large enough to extendbeyond the lateral boundaries defined by the blade core (as depicted inFIG. 34).

In the examples shown in FIGS. 31-34, the offset D from the medial plane312 may range from 0 (FIG. 31) to an offset D equal to approximately0.020 inch as shown in FIG. 32. In another example, the offset D may beequal to approximately 0.030 in. as shown in FIG. 33, or may be greaterthan 0.060 in. as depicted in FIG. 34. It should be noted that theconfiguration of the nozzle 308 in FIG. 33 not only includes an offset Dbut also directs the nozzle at an angle theta-2 greater than 180degrees. Therefore, relative to the nozzle configuration in FIG. 32, thenozzle configuration in FIG. 33 directs at least part of the fluid awayfrom the wall of the gullet 192 and along the side of the blade core. Apositive nozzle offset D can be taken to extend in the direction towardthe near side of the blade, as depicted in FIGS. 5, 6, 10 and 29, whilea negative nozzle offset D extend to the other side of the blade. FIGS.32-34 show positive nozzle offsets.

By comparing the nozzle configurations of FIGS. 32 and 33, it can beseen that a combination of the angles theta-1, theta-2 and the nozzleoffset D can be used to direct fluid flow along the side of the blade.If excessive fluid loss is a factor, the angle theta-1 is preferablymaintained within a small number of degrees of 90 degrees or 270degrees, and theta-2 is preferably maintained within a small number ofdegrees of 0 degrees or 180 degrees, in the situation where fluid isalways flowing from the nozzles. In a circular saw using a blade guard,this reduces the amount of fluid sprayed toward the lateral sidesurfaces of the blade guard. In a circular saw using a blade guard, itmay be preferred to keep the fluid spray within an envelope defined bythe width-wise spacing of the blade guard from each side of the sawblade. This envelope may then be used to define the angle theta-2, whichmay have a deviation from 0 degrees or 180 degrees of less than fivedegrees, and the deviation may be as small as one or two degrees. Inanother example, the deviation of angle theta-1 from 90 degrees or 270degrees may be less than 10 or five degrees, and may be as small as two,one or zero degrees.

While a nozzle may direct fluid in any 360 degree direction definingalmost a complete sphere, nozzle configurations for circular saw bladestypically will be determined based on where fluid is needed. For sawblades using composite working portions such as cutting segments 182,fluid often will be directed toward an area including a weld zone 320(FIGS. 29 and 30). Such fluid may help to wash away slurry and reducethe concentration of particulates and aggregate around the weld zones320. Directing fluid in the area of the weld zones 320 may also help toreduce under cutting, which is the wearing away of blade core materialin the area of the cutting segments 182. To also help in reducing undercutting, and to reduce the concentration of particulates and aggregatearound cutting segments, one or more nozzles may be configured to havean off set D and/or an angle theta-2 to direct the fluid along the sidesof the blade core. Other methods and configurations can be used tochange the flow characteristics of the slurry around the cuttingsegments.

Nozzles can be placed at a number of locations on a tool such as acircular saw blade. Considering the blade 180 shown in FIG. 35, which issubstantially similar to the blades previously described, nozzles can bepositioned at a number of locations. In the configuration shown in FIG.35, nozzles will be placed at the ends of the flow channels 190, forexample in the bottoms of the respective gullets. While flow channelsand nozzles can be assembled for each gullet, flow channels 190 areincluded for every other gullet, and will include respective nozzles.For example, for a 24 inch or larger diameter segmented blade, the blademay include 40 segments separated by an equal number of gullets. Asshown in FIG. 35, each of the gullets can be assigned a number, in thepresent case 140, and flow passages and nozzles are provided for theeven-numbered gullets. In other configurations, flow passages andnozzles can be provided for every third gullet, every fourth gullet,every fifth gullet, every sixth gullet, every seventh gullet, or inwhatever arrangement is desired. It is presently believed that flowpassages and nozzles for every other gullet provides sufficient fluidflow for cooling the blade and for removing debris, while stillproviding reliable structural integrity in the blade.

The nozzle in a given gullet (or at whatever location the nozzle isplaced) can take any configuration desired, and need not be similar oridentical to the next adjacent nozzle. For example, one nozzle candirect fluid to one side of the blade while the next adjacent nozzledirects fluid to the other side of the blade. Additionally, the nextadjacent nozzle in the other direction can be different still, forexample directing flow radially outward from the gullet (theta-1 equalto 0 and theta-2 equal to 0). In one example of a nozzle configurationand distribution, 12 nozzles around the blade are directed radiallyoutward (theta-1 and a theta-2 equal to 0 degrees), and the remainingnozzles are split with half directing flow to one side of the blade andthe other half directing flow to the other side of the blade. Thisexample is represented in Table 1. This combination has about 70 percentof the nozzles (and therefore about 70 percent of the flow) directedradially outward from the blade and about 30 percent to the sides of theblade. Other combinations are available as well, as a function of thenozzle configuration and distribution about the blade. In anothercombination, about 80% of the nozzles and flow are directed radiallyoutward and 20% split between each side. For those nozzles directingfluid to the sides in this example, the nozzles are configured to directfluid in the direction of rotation. Therefore, the angles of the nozzlesdirecting fluid to the sides of the blade are configured to have theta-2equal to about two degrees and about 358 degrees. Alternatively oradditionally, these nozzles can include an offset D to direct fluidalong the sides of the saw blade. See Table 2. (Note in the Tables thatthe Nozzle Height and the Nozzle Opening Height are given relative tothe bottom of the gullet, by subtracting the radius distance between theblade center and the gullet (RG) from the radius distance between theblade center and the nozzle tip (R1) or the nozzle opening (R2), as thecase may be.) TABLE 1 Nozzle Flow Nozzle Opening Radial Lateral TimingHeight Height Direction Direction (Period - (R1 − RG) (R2 − RG)(Theta-1) (Theta-2) P:Frequency - Offset Gullet (inch) (inch) (degrees)(degrees) Pattern F) (inch) 2 ≦1 ≦1 0 0 Stream (1:1) 0 4 ≦1 ≦1 0 0Stream (1:1) 0 6 ≦1 ≦1 270 2 Stream (1:1) 0 8 ≦1 ≦1 0 0 Stream (1:1) 010 ≦1 ≦1 0 0 Stream (1:1) 0 12 ≦1 ≦1 270 358 Stream (1:1) 0 14 ≦1 ≦1 0 0Stream (1:1) 0 16 ≦1 ≦1 0 0 Stream (1:1) 0 18 ≦1 ≦1 270 2 Stream (1:1) 020 ≦1 ≦1 0 0 Stream (1:1) 0 22 ≦1 ≦1 0 0 Stream (1:1) 0 24 ≦1 ≦1 270 358Stream (1:1) 0 26 ≦1 ≦1 0 0 Stream (1:1) 0 28 ≦1 ≦1 0 0 Stream (1:1) 030 ≦1 ≦1 270 2 Stream (1:1) 0 32 ≦1 ≦1 0 0 Stream (1:1) 0 34 ≦1 ≦1 0 0Stream (1:1) 0 36 ≦1 ≦1 270 358 Stream (1:1) 0 38 ≦1 ≦1 0 0 Stream (1:1)0 40 ≦1 ≦1 0 0 Stream (1:1) 0

TABLE 2 Nozzle Flow Nozzle Opening Radial Lateral Timing Height HeightDirection Direction (Period - (R1 − RG) (R2 − RG) (Theta-1) (Theta-2)P:Frequency - Offset Gullet (inch) (inch) (degrees) (degrees) Pattern F)(inch) 2 ≦1 ≦1 0 0 Stream (1:1) 0 4 ≦1 ≦1 0 0 Stream (1:1) 0 6 ≦1 ≦1 2702 Stream (1:1) −0.060 8 ≦1 ≦1 0 0 Stream (1:1) 0 10 ≦1 ≦1 0 0 Stream(1:1) 0 12 ≦1 ≦1 270 358 Stream (1:1) 0.060 14 ≦1 ≦1 0 0 Stream (1:1) 016 ≦1 ≦1 0 0 Stream (1:1) 0 18 ≦1 ≦1 270 2 Stream (1:1) −0.060 20 ≦1 ≦10 0 Stream (1:1) 0 22 ≦1 ≦1 0 0 Stream (1:1) 0 24 ≦1 ≦1 270 358 Stream(1:1) 0.060 26 ≦1 ≦1 0 0 Stream (1:1) 0 28 ≦1 ≦1 0 0 Stream (1:1) 0 30≦1 ≦1 270 2 Stream (1:1) −0.060 32 ≦1 ≦1 0 0 Stream (1:1) 0 34 ≦1 ≦1 0 0Stream (1:1) 0 36 ≦1 ≦1 270 358 Stream (1:1) 0.060 38 ≦1 ≦1 0 0 Stream(1:1) 0 40 ≦1 ≦1 0 0 Stream (1:1) 0

In an example of a nozzle that may be combined with a fluid flow elementand/or a tool described herein, for example for a circular tool in theform of a concrete saw blade, a nozzle 322 (FIG. 36) extends into freespace in the gullet 192. The saw blade incorporates several of thefeatures described previously relating to the core configuration, thepassage way and the nozzle, which will be described in the context ofFIG. 36. Part of the saw blade core is shown schematically and includesthe medial disk 228 and cutting segments 182. As shown in FIG. 36, theblade will be rotating counter clockwise as shown by the arrow 208.

The medial section 228 includes a cutaway portion, recess, or cavity 324forming an area defined by a wall 326 in the medial section and theadjacent surfaces of the inside and outside discs complementary to theinterface portion 328 of the nozzle 322. In the example shown in FIG.36, the cavity 324 and interface portion 328 are complementary to eachother in size and shape so as to help in holding the nozzle in place inthe blade core and in fluid communication with the fluid flow element inthe form of tube 194. In the configuration shown in FIG. 36, the tube194 is supported by and preferably adhered to the passage way 190 bysuitable adhesive or other means (not shown). The passage way 190 isdefined by a cutaway portion in the medial section 228 and by theadjacent surfaces of the inside and outside discs. The tube 194 is alsopreferably adhered to the inside and outside discs.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 36, the cavity 324 has a round-endedand straight-sided in cross-section, conforming to a similar shape for asignificant amount of the interface portion 328. The rounded ends 330extend into the medial section in a direction along a chord of a circledefined by the saw blade. The rounded ends 330 extend into the medialsection under the gullet and laterally of the gullet, so as to defineextension walls 332 and 334, respectively, to help in retaining thenozzle 322 in position at the bottom of the gullet. The extension wallsalso help to keep the nozzle in fluid communication with the tube 194,even with pressure forces developed in the nozzle from fluid flow. Theextent to which the extension walls 332 and 334 extend over theinterface portion 328 may be selected according to the size and shape ofthe nozzle, whether nozzles are placed in adjacent gullets, and theamount of material removed from the medial disc to accommodate theinterface portion 328. In this configuration, the nozzle is supported bythe support structure of the medial disc, and from the sides issupported by the support structure of the inside and outside discs,which structures are preferably complementary in shape and size to theshape and size of the interface portion of the nozzle. The interfaceportion is sufficiently enlarged so as to allow it to inter-fit with thecomplementary structure defined by the cavity 324. Alternative to theshape shown in FIG. 36, the shape can be in the form of a trapezoid,square or rectangle, a rounded shape or other shapes allowing it tointer-fit with a suitable structure defined by a cavity in the bladecore. In other words, if all of the stabilizing structure for the nozzleand nozzle body is not provided by the tube 194, surfaces are preferablyprovided in the nozzle and nozzle body and in the support structure ofthe blade extending in a direction other than the direction in which thenozzle is being pushed, for example by fluid pressure, by bladerotation, or by other forces tending to disengage the nozzle from itsadjacent flow channel. These surfaces can be curved, angled or otherwisenon-straight, or they may be straight over a given distance whileextending in a direction other than the direction in which the nozzle isbeing pushed. The surfaces are preferably complementary to each other.

The nozzle 322 (FIG. 36) includes a cavity 336 in the base of theinterface portion 328. The cavity preferably conforms to the shape ofthe end of the tube 194 for receiving or extending over the free end ofthe tube 194. Adhesive (not shown) or other means may be used toreliably position the nozzle over the end of the tube, and preferablyhelps to hold the nozzle in place on the tube.

The nozzle includes a flow passage 338 extending from an inlet 340 atthe cavity 336 to an outlet 342 at an exit surface 344. The inlet 340receives fluid from the tube 194 and passes the fluid along the passageto the outlet 342. In the configuration shown in FIG. 36, the inlet 340has a cross-sectional configuration substantially the same is that ofthe tube 194, preferably rectangular and substantially the same incross-sectional area. The inlet can be larger or smaller incross-sectional area, and can have a shape, other than that of the tubepassage way, but the inlet for the nozzle 322 shown in FIG. 36 is chosento minimize any turbulence or back pressure that might be produced bythe inlet configuration.

The flow passage 338 may have a constant cross-sectional configurationthroughout the length of the passage, but in the configuration shown inFIG. 36, the forward wall 346 and the trailing wall 348 of therectangular flow passage are substantially straight, but they also mayconverge toward each other, reducing the cross-sectional area of theflow passage, or diverge away from each other, increasing thecross-sectional area of flow. If the forward and trailing wallsconverge, the lengths of the inside and outside walls of the flowpassage decrease as the walls progress radially outward. The widths ofthe forward and trailing walls can also decrease (or increase), ifdesired, for example to increase the flow rate at the outlet (or toreduce or counter a flow rate increase caused by the converging walls346 and 348). In the configuration shown in FIG. 36, the outlet definedby the exit surface 344 is symmetrical about a center axis 350, so thatthe exit surface 344 is that the same distance from the tube 194 aboutthe entire perimeter of the outlet 342.

As with any flow changing portion and with the nozzle 322 shown in FIG.36, the flow passage 338 can be configured to produce a number ofdesired flow characteristics. Many possible flow characteristics werediscussed above with respect to FIGS. 22-28. In the nozzle 322 shown inFIG. 36, the outlet 342 opens in a direction that is substantiallyradial, and at least partially toward an adjacent cutting segment. Theradial direction, parallel to the axis 350 and substantiallyperpendicular to the axis of rotation of the saw blade, is substantiallyperpendicular to the direction of rotation 208. At the outlet 342, thenozzle is directing the fluid in a direction substantially parallel tothe direction in which the fluid flows in the tube 194 and thereforealong the passage way 190 in the blade core. The nozzle flow passage 338changes the fluid cross-sectional area from a first cross-sectional areaat the inlet 340 to a second cross-sectional area at the outlet 342.

In the nozzle and blade configuration shown in FIG. 36, the nozzleextends out of the cavity 324 and into free space. The flow passage 338extends from within a portion of the interface portion 328 to the exitsurface 344 in the gullet 194. The converging walls 346 and 348 canbegin converging at any point along the flow passage 338, either withinthe envelope defined by the wall 326 of the cavity 324 or outside andcloser to the exit surface 344. In other configurations, the nozzle maybe as simple as an integral part of the tube 194 opening into the gullet194, or may be an extension of the tube extending into free space in thegullet 194.

The nozzle may be formed from a number of materials, including metals,plastics, composites, and the like. The nozzle can be formed from afiber-reinforced material, including glass or carbon reinforced plastic,and other high strength materials. High stiffness materials are moreable to withstand the forces that a nozzle may encounter extending intothe gullet 194.

In addition to flow direction, shape and other flow characteristics,tools can incorporate structures for selectively controlling flow offluid in the tool or out of the tool. Methods and apparatus can includecontrol elements for selectively controlling flow fluid. In one exampleshown in FIG. 37 that may be combined with a fluid flow elementdescribed herein, a tool such as the saw blade described previouslyhaving working portions in the form of cutting segments 182 and asupport in the form of blade core 228 can include one or more controlelements. The control elements may be valves, vanes, movable baffles orother structures for selectively controlling flow of fluid. The controlelements can be placed at a number of locations in or on the tool so asto control the flow of fluid. The control elements can be placed near aninlet to the tool, adjacent inlets to the tubes 194 or at points alongthe tubes, or adjacent or incorporated in tube outlets, nozzles or otherstructures in the area of the fluid outlets. In the example shown inFIG. 37, as well as in the examples in FIGS. 38-43, the control elementsare incorporated in structures defining outlets for the fluid. Thesestructures will be described as valves for purposes of describingexample structures and functions for controlling the flow of fluid, butit should be understood that these structures can generally incorporatestructures for changing the flow of the fluid such as those describedherein, including nozzle structures. Therefore, a given structure cannot only selectively control the flow of fluid for the tool but alsochange the flow characteristics of that fluid. However, the valvestructures described with respect to FIGS. 38-43 will be describedprimarily in the context of selectively controlling flow of fluid.

A control element in the form of a valve 352 (FIG. 37) includes anactuator element 354 and a gate element 356. A valve can be combinedwith a fluid flow element and/or a tool described herein. In theconfiguration shown in FIG. 37, the actuator element 354 and the gateelement 356 are integral with each other. The gate element 356 includesor is operatively coupled to an openable and closable flow passage forthe fluid, shown in FIG. 37 as passage way 358. In the configurationshown in FIG. 37, the passage way 358 is formed in the gate element 356,and moves when the gate element 356 pivots about a pivot point 360. Inthe position of the valve 352 shown in FIG. 37, the valve is closed asthe inlet 362 is out of alignment with the tube 194. Additionally, theconfiguration of the valve in FIG. 37 has the outlet 364 of the passageway 358 adjacent a wall in the interface 366. Consequently, little or nofluid flows through the passage way 358 when the valve 352 is in theconfiguration shown in FIG. 37.

The actuator element 354 configured as shown in FIG. 37 operates throughphysical contact between the actuator element and one or more structuresclosely adjacent the perimeter of the blade, such as an actuatingsurface. In the context of a concrete saw, the actuator element contactsan actuating surface or other actuating element, which may be a barrierstructure or the surface of the concrete being cut, designated as thebarrier structure 367 in FIG. 38. As a blade continues rotating as shownby the arrow 208, the external tip of the actuator element 354 contactsthe barrier structure or the surface of the concrete and pivots rearward(clockwise as viewed in FIGS. 37 and 38) substantially to the positionshown in FIG. 38. The passage way 358 has its inlet 362 more closelyaligned with the outlet of the tube 194, and its outlet 364 is spacedaway from the interface 366 so that fluid flow represented by arrow 368is directed into the gullet, along the core, adjacent a cutting segment,or in other directions as desired.

In the context of a saw blade, the valve 352 is substantially closedwhen that portion of the blade is outside the concrete. With theactuator element 354 contacts the barrier or the concrete, the valve isopened so that fluid flows in the desired direction with that portion ofthe saw blade contacts the concrete for cutting. Consequently, fluidflows in that portion of the blade where heat is being generated and isdirected in the area of cutting portions that are also in contact withthe concrete. Fluid continues flowing until that portion of a bladeexits the concrete and the actuator element 354 returns to the positionshown in FIG. 37.

Positioning of the flow passage 358 may be selected to facilitatemovement of the actuator element 354. For example, the force of fluidpressure on the gate element 356 may bias the valve closed, and heactuator element 354 can be designed so as to move the gate element 356only when sufficient force is applied, such as when the actuator elementhits a barrier or hits the concrete surface. The barrier may be usedwhen the design calls for opening the valve before that location on thesaw blade hits the concrete. A barrier can be included on the bladeguard or in combination with other structures adjacent concrete or thesaw blade enters the cut. Additionally, the effects of the force ofrotation of the blade may also be used to bias the valve in a desireddirection.

As with the nozzles described above, the size, position andconfiguration of the flow passage 358 can be selected to produce thedesired effect. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, flow isdirected in the direction of rotation of the blade. The flow passage canbe arranged in a number of configurations and, for example, may directthe fluid for the following cutting segment, under a cutting segment,into the gullet, or to the outer perimeter of the saw blade, amongothers.

In the example shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, the actuator element 354extends to a given radius 370. The radius is selected so that theactuator element extends sufficiently beyond the cutting elements tocontact the concrete or other barrier to open the valve when desired.When the actuator element is fully actuated, it may extend to the radius372 (FIG. 38), which may be greater than, the same as or less than thedistance of the outer surface of the cutting segment 182 from the bladecenter. When the valve is completely actuated, the center of the outlet364 is positioned at a radius 374. The selection of the radius 374 canbe determined according to how the fluid is to be directed and similarconsiderations.

In another example of a valve, valve 376 (FIGS. 39 and 40) includes anactuator element 378 and a gate element 380. The actuator element 378 iscoupled to the gate element 380 through an intermediate structure in theform of an off set 382. The actuator element 378 may extend to a radiusof 384 outside the outer surfaces of the cutting elements 182.

In the example shown in FIG. 39, a flow passage 386 includes an inlet388 and an outlet 390. The inlet is adjacent the tube 194 and the outlet390 in the configuration shown in FIG. 39 is that the end of the off set382. However, the outlet can be placed at a number of locations on thevalve. As with the valve 352 (FIGS. 37 and 38), the valve 376 usescontact with a barrier, the concrete or other structure to actuate thevalve. Additionally, the offset 382 and the location of the passage way386 partly in the off set 382 allows the force of the fluid flow andpressure to bias the valve closed. The amount of the bias is determinedin part by the amount of the offset, fluid pressure, blade size androtation speed, and other considerations.

When the valve 376 is opened, the actuator element 378 extends at radius392 either below, at the same level as or beyond the cutting segment182, and the center of the outlet 390 is positioned at radius 394. Thelength of the radius 394 can be selected according to the desired flowlocation, direction and the like. The inlet 388 opens to the tube 194 sothat fluid can flow 396 out the outlet 390.

In another example of a valve, a valve 398 (FIGS. 41 and 42) issupported by the blade core 228. The valve includes an actuator element400 and a gate element 402. In the example shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, theactuator element 400 and gate element 402 are integral with each other,and the gate element 402 includes a passage way 404. The passage way 404includes an inlet 406 and an outlet 408, and in the closed condition,the inlet and outlet are preferably adjacent respective surfaces of theinterface 410.

The actuator element 400 includes a flow surface 412. The flow surfacemay be a vane, baffle, protrusion, laterally extending surface or animpediment which is acted upon by material flowing around or alongsidethe blade. The configuration, dimensions, shape or other characteristicsof the flow surface 412 and the environment in which the valve 398operates will determine the actuation of the valve. In the example shownin FIGS. 41 and 42, the flow surface 412 is configured so that expectedflow of air and water or mist over the flow surface and against theactuator element 400 does not supply a force sufficient to open thevalve. However, with a valve and the surrounding portion of the bladeapproaches the slurry, the force applied to the flow surface 412 issufficient to open the valve, so that the inlet 46 is open to the tube194 and the outlet 408 direct fluid into the gullet, along the blade, atthe cutting segment 182, or otherwise in the desired direction. Thecenter of the outlet 408 is positioned at the radius 414.

The valve 398 is preferably biased closed by the pressure or forceapplied by fluid from the tube 194. Flow air and/or water across theflow surface 412 is not sufficient to overcome the closing bias on thevalve, but the flow of slurry over the surface 412 and against theactuator element 400 is sufficient to overcome the bias. Other means canbe used to bias the valve closed, such as spring means and the like. Theflow surface configuration of the valve 398 allows the valve to beclosed with that portion of the blade is out of the concrete, but openedwith a blade is surrounded by slurry and cutting the concrete.

The flow surface 412 can be formed in the number of configurations, oneof which is shown schematically in FIGS. 41 and 42. The flow surface 412can be on any portion of the valve, including leading, trailing and anyside edges of the valve, particularly the actuator element 400.Additionally, the effect of applied force increases with the distanceaway from the pivot point 416 that the force is applied. Therefore, theradius 418 (FIG. 41) may be selected to produce the desired openingaction for the valve.

In another example of a valve for controlling fluid flow, a valve 420(FIG. 43) is supported by the blade core 228 through an interface 422.The valve is supported in the interface to move radially as indicated bythe arrow 424. The valve includes an actuator element 426 and anintermediate portion 428 between the actuator element 426 and a supportportion 430. In this example, the nozzle and valve are incorporated intoa segment or into a segment-like structure. The structure may be formedfrom a hard material such as sintered tungsten carbide or other hardmaterials. The segment is shaped or otherwise configured to reduce theeffects of wear so that the valve can be actuated throughout theexpected lifetime of the blade. In the example shown in FIG. 43, theactuation element 426 can have a length along the radius sufficient foractuating the valve as desired, and it can have a thickness from theinside to the outside approximating the thickness of a segment, tothereby assist in removal of debris and also to provide a measure ofundercut protection for adjacent cutting segments. The actuator element426 can be configured to operate a valve in many locations in a nozzleassembly or adjacent a nozzle assembly, including one inside the blade,and one at a number of angles and positions relative to the actuatingelement.

The support 430 in the present example allows the valve to move radiallyover a range determined by pins 432 captured for radial movement ingrooves 434. Other means can be used to support the actuator element 426while allowing radial motion. The valve includes a valve stem 436actuating a valve disc 438 or other closure element relative to a valveseat 440 for opening and closing the valve as a function of radialmovement of the actuator element 426. As the valve actuator element 426moves radially inward, the valve opens allowing fluid to flow in thepassage way 442 and out the outlet 444 and/or outlet 446, depending onwhere the fluid is to be directed. Fluid from outlet 444 is directedtoward the on coming slurry, in the direction of rotation of the blade,and fluid from an outlet configured as at 446 is directed radiallyoutward against the cut surface, in this case the kerf. Fluid caninstead or additionally be directed in the direction opposite of 444,through a channel at 444A.

The actuator element 426 preferably extends a distance represented byradius 448 beyond the outer surface of the cutting segments 182. As theactuating element 426 contacts a barrier or the concrete or otheractuating surface, the actuating element moves radially inward and opensthe valve. The actuating element 426 can be formed from a compositematerial or may be a sintered element similar to the cutting segments182. Movement of the actuator element 426 actuates the valve, whichmoves toward the blade core and closes the valve as it moves away fromthe blade core.

In a further example of a flow-changing device that may be combined witha fluid flow element and/or a tool described herein, a number offeatures can be incorporated into the device, including changing theflow direction, valve control, gullet or blade cavity configuration andnozzle body positioning (FIGS. 44-46). A nozzle assembly 500 has anozzle element 502 integral with a nozzle body 504. The nozzle element502 extends outward relative to the nozzle body 504. The nozzle body 504supports the nozzle element 502 and also serves as a tube/nozzleinterface. The nozzle body 504 includes a first side face 506 and asecond side face (not shown) facing in a direction opposite the firstside face 506. The nozzle body 504 includes a perimeter wall 508extending width-wise between the first and second side faces of thenozzle body. The outline or the shape of the perimeter wall, andtherefore the profile of side faces, is asymmetric to reduce thepossibility that the nozzle assembly disengages from the blade core. Theprofile of the nozzle body conforms to a complementary opening in theperimeter of the blade core, between adjacent segments. The asymmetricshape of the nozzle body and the complementary cut out shape in theblade core helps to hold the nozzle in place while the blade is moving.The complimentary cutout for the side face 506 is formed in the innerdisc and the complimentary cutout for the other side face is formed inthe outer disc.

A bevel surface 508A is formed between each side face, such as the sideface 506, and the perimeter wall 508. The bevel surface helps toposition the nozzle body in the respective opening in the blade core. Italso helps adjust the nozzle body position as the nozzle body is movedinto position in the blade core. Other surface configurations may alsoserve the same purpose as the bevel surface.

In the configuration of the nozzle assembly 500 shown in FIGS. 4446, asupport surface in the form of a ridge or other structure 510 extendsaway from the perimeter wall 508 in a direction in the same plane as thenozzle body 504. The ridge may also be an offset, overhang, lip,shoulder, locating or other flange, ear, trap or other structure forsupporting the nozzle body in the adjacent structure. The ridge 510extends between spaced apart outer disks of the blade core. The outerdisks of the blade core capture, sandwich or limit sideways movement ofthe nozzle body in the direction of one side or the other of the bladecore. Additionally, the medial disc captures, sandwiches or limitstangential or arcuate and radial movements of the nozzle body in thedirections of the immediately adjacent medial disc surfaces. The ridge510 extends parallel to the perimeter wall 508 about the entireperimeter of the nozzle body in contact with the blade core, andterminates at the outer perimeter of the blade core. The thickness 510Aof the ridge 510 (FIG. 44) is preferably substantially the same as thethickness of the medial disc (228 in FIG. 45), so that outer core discssandwich the ridge 510 between them, and so that the medial disc 228substantially fixes the nozzle body in the plane of the blade core. Themedial disc includes a cutout in the perimeter or other portion of themedial disc for accepting and holding the nozzle body in place once theblade is assembled. The height 510B of the ridge 510 (FIG. 46) ispreferably such as to contact and hold or support the complementaryfacing surfaces of the medial disc and is sufficient for the adjacentside discs to hold the nozzle body laterally. The outer discs alsoinclude appropriate complimentary cutouts in their perimeters or otherlocations for receiving and holding the nozzle body, though preferablydimensioned so as to overlap the adjacent ridge 510. The ridge 510 canbe omitted in favor of using a tight press fit between the nozzle bodyperimeter wall 508 and the adjacent opening walls in the inner, outerand medial discs.

The dimensions of the perimeter wall 508 and the ridge 510 arepreferably selected so that the nozzle body is keyed into or conforms toa corresponding shape in the blade core between adjacent segments. Withsuch a configuration, the nozzle body can be used to assist inregistering the medial and outer core segments with respect to eachother and holding them in place as the blade is curing. The openings inthe medial and outer core disks are preferably formed for the nozzlebody a sufficient distance away from the intended mounting locations forthe segments to minimize the possibility of interference with the nozzlebody during the process of attaching the segments. For example, theadjacent surfaces of the nozzle body are at least ¼ inch from a laserwelding site where the segments will be attached to the blade core.

The nozzle assembly 500 in the example shown in FIGS. 44-46 includes aflow actuator element 512. The actuator element 512 extends outward fromthe nozzle body 504 and beyond the outer perimeter of the adjacentsegment. The actuator element includes a curved or arcuate surface 514facing in the direction of the leading segment 516, or in the directionof the on coming cut surface.

The nozzle body 504 includes walls defining a concave surface,depression or other surface discontinuity 518 in at least one andpreferably in each of the side walls of the nozzle body. The depression518 receives fluid from one or more preceding nozzles. It is believedthat the depression 518 and any fluid in the depression help tolubricate the flow of material under the segments and along theperimeter region of the blade core. As seen in FIGS. 44 and 45, thedepression 518 is elongated substantially opposite the direction ofrotation of the blade. The depression 518 includes a trailing wall 520extending outward and toward the trailing edge of the nozzle body. It isalso believed that the rearward and outward slope of the trailing wall520 encourages the flow of material in the same direction. Flow ofmaterial in the direction of the trailing segment makes it easier forthe segments to pick up the maternal and sweep it out of the kerf. Theactuator element 512 also includes walls defining a concave surface,depression or other surface discontinuity 522. The actuator element 512preferably includes depressions on each side of the actuator element.The depressions in the actuator element are also believed to encouragethe flow of material to areas adjacent the segments. They may also beused to configure the center of mass of the element and to reduce themass of the actuator element.

The actuator element 512 in the present example is configured andsupported so as to have a center of mass that tends to keep the valve ina closed configuration during normal operation until a surface or othertrigger actuates the valve. The actuator element 512 is held in place toallow pivoting relative to the nozzle body. A pin 524 extends sidewaysin the nozzle body substantially parallel to the saw blade shaft, andfixes the actuator element in place while allowing pivoting movement ofthe actuator element about the pin. The nozzle body includes a pocket orcavity 526 within the nozzle body for receiving part or all of theactuator element 512. In this example of the nozzle body, the nozzlebody not only as an interface between the nozzle and the flow channel,but also as a receptacle for the actuator element 512. The pocket 526includes an angled surface 528 conforming to a concave angled surface530 on an inside trailing edge of the actuator element 512. The angledsurface 528 receives the angled surface 530 when the actuator element512 is fully within the pocket. The dimensions of the pocket and of theactuator element will determine in part the forward- and rearward-mostpositions of the actuator element.

The nozzle body has an internal channel 532 (FIG. 46) for receiving afluid flow tube (not shown). The internal channel 532 has reducedsection 534 in the form of a cylindrical wall converging to awell-defined rim. The reduced section 534 preferably includes an insidediameter slightly smaller than the outside diameter of the fluid flowtube to form a tube stop that helps to hold the tube in place once thetube is inserted past the tube stop and then slightly retracted to bindthe tube in place. The annulus 534 is spaced from the inner wall of thenozzle body where the tube enters, and is preferably closer to theactuator element 512 than to the channel opening. The shape and crosssection of the internal channel preferably conforms to that of the tubeinserted into the channel. In the example of FIGS. 44-47, the tube is around circular cylindrical tube having a relatively constant outside andinside diameter and wall thickness.

The actuator element 512 also includes one or more vanes 536 forreceiving fluid from the fluid flow tube and directing the fluidradially inward to an interior flow channel or reservoir 538. Theinterior flow channel is in fluid communication with the other vanes 536in the actuator element so that the passage ways between any set ofvanes presented to the fluid flow channel 532 allow fluid to pass to theinterior flow channel 538. At any given time, at least one channelcorresponding to a vane will be adjacent the flow channel 532. Theactuator element also includes a blocking wall 539 (FIGS. 46 and 47) orcovering an entrance to a nozzle flow channel 540 when the valveactuator is in a closed position, as shown in FIG. 46. The blocking walland the vanes can be positioned relative to each other as desired toprevent or allow flow under the desired conditions.

The nozzle assembly 500 in the example of FIGS. 44-47 can be formed fromtwo housing portions. Each housing portion is substantially a mirrorimage of the other, except for registration, positioning and holdingstructures in the two housing portions. In the first housing portionshown in FIG. 46, the holding structures may take the form of pins 542,positioned and sized along with complementary holes or recesses in theopposite housing portion so as to securely hold the two housing portionstogether. The two housing portions may be held together mechanically,through an interference fit for example, by friction, through adhesive,ultrasonic welding, or through other means. If adhesive is used,adhesive may be applied to housing surfaces between the pins and on eachside of the internal channel 532 to help hold the housing portionstogether. The adhesive may also be used to more securely hold the tubein the internal channel 532.

The moving portions of the actuator element concentric with the pin 524can be shaped and configured along with the adjacent surfaces in thehousing portions so as to be complementary to those adjacent surfaces.Therefore, the surfaces on the actuator element between the pin 524 andthe wall 539 rest and move in complementary surfaces in the housingportions, thereby increasing the holding capability of the housingportions for the actuator element, while still allowing the actuatorelement to pivot around the pin 524. The pin 524 can also be integralwith the actuator element and engage corresponding openings in theadjacent housing walls.

The nozzle flow channel 540 in the example shown in FIG. 46 isconfigured to direct water rearwardly toward the on coming or trailingsegment. The configuration of the nozzle flow channel 540 at the outletmay be such as to direct water at or below the segment bond line, at anapproximate midpoint of the usable segment (radially), at or beyond theouter perimeter of the segment, or anywhere in between. The fluid flowcan take any of the configurations described herein. The impact locationof the water in the area of the segment may depend on the nozzle outletopening configuration, such as the angle, the blade speed, the spacingfrom the nozzle outlet opening and the water pressure.

In operation, water comes in the flow channel 532 and into the flowchannel 538 (FIG. 47), where it stops if the actuator element 512 is inthe closed position represented by FIG. 46. In the closed positioned,water may pass one or more of the vanes into the pocket 526, where itmay help loosen any debris in the pocket and where it may provide acushion layer for the actuator element 512. Water may also help to coolthe nozzle body and adjacent structures. Water flow to the vanes willgenerally bias the valve to a closed position, but when the actuatorelement 512 is moved clockwise as shown in FIG. 46, water begins to exitto the nozzle flow channel 540 through the passage next to the firstvane, and continued movement of the actuator element allows water topass through the passage way next to the second vane, and so on. Thewater flow stops shortly before the actuator element leading surface 514contacts the complementary surface 514A on the housing wall.

When the actuator element 512 is contacted or otherwise activated bymovement of the actuator element 512 clockwise as viewed in FIG. 46, thechannels associated with one or more vanes 536 move adjacent a nozzleflow channel 540. With this movement, fluid can flow from the interiorflow channel 538 to the nozzle flow channel 540 through the adjacentchannels between the vanes. Therefore, upon the desired movement of theactuator element 512, fluid flow can occur through the nozzle flowchannel 540. Additionally, depending on the placement of the vanes andthe adjacent flow channels, some fluid may exit in the trailingdirection into the cavity 526. Fluid in the cavity 526 may serve as acushion for the actuator element 512 and may also make easier removal ofany debris in the cavity. Fluid may also serve as a cushion between theactuator element 512 and the complementary surface 514A on the housingwall, to cushion any impact by the actuator element in itscounterclockwise movement.

When the actuator element 512 is positioned fully counter clockwise, asviewed in FIG. 46, a surface on the blocking wall of the actuatorelement covers the inlet to the nozzle flow channel 540 andsubstantially prevents fluid flow in the nozzle flow channel. Thelocation of the covering surface, the vanes and the associated channelsbetween the vanes can be selected to achieve the desired flow as afunction of the blade movement. Additionally, the size and positioningof the actuator element 512 can be used to determine how the actuatorelement 512 is triggered. The surface 514A on the leading edge of theactuator element is preferably shaped to conform to the adjacent surfacein the pocket of the nozzle body, and includes a portion to cover theoutlet opening of the nozzle flow channel 540.

The actuator element 512 may also take the form of an embedded wheel orother rotating element on an arm or spindle rotating about the pin 524.The wheel serves the function of the leading-edge 514 of the actuatorelement, contacted by an actuating surface such as the work piece tomove the arm or spindle to open the valve. A rotating wheel more easilyadsorbs impact from the actuating surface and may help to reduce wearduring operation. The actuator element 512 may be formed from a numberof materials, including stainless-steel, sintered powder metal,aluminum, titanium, composite materials or other suitable materials.

Valve control in the example of FIGS. 44-46 is an example of bladerotation controlling actuation of the valve. The blade rotates at aconstant velocity and the leading surface 514 on the actuator element512 causes a gate on, or in the example of FIGS. 44-46 causes a gate in,the nozzle assembly to open and close. Therefore, acceleration ornegative acceleration, in other words changes in motion, can be used toactuate flow control functions. Contact with the concrete work surfacetriggers actuation of the valve. The actuation element need not be usedto start or stop flow, but instead or additionally can be used to changethe direction of flow, change the volume or pattern of flow or changeother flow characteristics. Preferably, fluid is applied only whenneeded, for example while the cutting blade is in the kerf, reducingfluid consumption.

Valve control can be accomplished through mechanical means, through flowcharacteristics, or otherwise. In the examples of FIGS. 37-40, thestructure of the actuator element extends past the outer perimeter ofthe segment. Contact with the concrete or other work piece pushes theactuator element opposite the direction of rotation to open the valve,and the valve closes when the contact ends. Additionally, valve controlcan be variable, for example where the amount that a valve is openeddepends on blade speed, blade depth, type of work piece, bladetemperature, as well as other factors.

Valve control using the example of FIGS. 44-46 helps to control flow asa function of the nozzle position relative to the work piece. In theexample of a rotary concrete saw blade, the valve is actuated when theactuator element 512 contacts the closest surface of the work piece. Thevalve is turned off after the nozzle assembly leaves the work piece. Forexample, it is desirable to terminate flow to that portion of a sawblade that has already broken through a wall or floor structure, therebyreducing the amount of fluid that cannot be contained. Strictlyspeaking, flow control occurs as a function how of nozzle location andthe work piece. However, it should be understood that for a constantblade rotation speed, the particular nozzle will be actuated repeatedlywith the same period or frequency. Therefore, a given nozzle is actuatedin this example as a function of time. The nozzles can also be actuatedby other means, for example by an actuator surface in advance of thenozzle approaching the work piece. For example, an actuation element canbe triggered by a blade guard, such as a lightweight metal or plasticstructure inside the blade guard contacted by the actuation element.Alternatively, the nozzles can be actuated by blade or other toolmotion, such as an rpm setting anywhere from non-zero to the maximum rpmpossible for the tool. Similarly, the valve can be actuated by therotational motion of the blade, such as by selected positioning of thepivot point along with the center of mass of the actuator element andthe like. In the examples of the actuation elements in FIGS. 37-42, thepivot points can be offset so that the natural axis of rotation and therotating blade tend to bring the actuation element back to center. Inthe example of FIG. 41, the actuator element can be activated by any orall of a combination of fluid flow, fluid viscosity or rotationalmotion. As a further alternative, a valve can be actuated as a functionof blade or other tool depth, nozzle location as a function of acomplete rotation, fluid pressure variations such as may occur when anozzle transitions from air to the work piece or into a fluid bath or asa function of nozzle position. An example of nozzle position determiningactuation includes the use of a mask or cover over one or more of theopenings 198 (FIG. 11). As the blade rotates, an opening 198 passesbehind the mask so that the mask is positioned between the fluid supplyand the opening, until continued blade rotation brings the opening outfrom behind the mask. Conversely, it should be understood thattriggering the activation element can have an opposite effect, namelyclosing a valve or other element normally always open, for example asthe nozzle assembly leaves the cutting area. Therefore, it should beunderstood that valve actuation is not limited to changing normally openor normally closed structures, but also changing the configurations ofstructures that are already opening or flowing.

In the example of the valve configuration shown in FIGS. 41 and 42,valve actuation is in part flow dependant. The valve actuation may beadjusted by adjusting the size, shape, position, angle or otherconfigurations of the flow surface affected by the flow characteristicsof the fluid. In the example shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, thecharacteristics of the flow surface 412 can be configured to produce thedesired result. In the illustrated example, the flow surface 412 ispositioned on the sides of the actuator element 400 (the inside andoutside surfaces), and they are positioned entirely radially inward fromthe segment. Alternatively, the flow surface may be partly at the sameradial distance as part of the segment and otherwise radially inward ofthe segments, so that when fluid hits the flow surface, the actuatorelement 400 pivots downward within the gullet, and more of the flowsurface becomes exposed to flowing fluid. When the actuator element 400hits air, it pivots in the opposite direction. Therefore, the flowsurface can be entirely within the envelope of the blade core, withinthe envelope of the segments, spanning both the core and the segments,or extending outward of the segment envelope.

V. TRANSITION ELEMENT CHARACTERISTICS AND EXAMPLES

In tools having prefabricated fluid flow elements or structures insertedor formed into the channels in the tool, for example the tubes 194inserted into the channels 240, fluid flow into the tubes may beimproved by also inserting a transition element to transition the fluidfrom the source outside the blade to the tube. Additionally, thetransition element may be configured so that fluid touches the bladeonly at the outside surfaces of the blade. The transition element canhelp to isolate inside surfaces of the blade from the fluid, and theymay be combined with any fluid flow element and/or tool describedherein.

The transition element may have a number of configurations, any one ormore of which can be used with the flow channel structures describedherein that can be used with a tool, for example the blades describedherein. The transition element may be as simple a structure as a tubetransverse to the tube 194 or an elbow coupled, bonded, adhered orotherwise providing a reliable flow path to the tube 194, or thetransition element may have additional surfaces or structures such asthose described below. These surfaces or structures may be used to helpposition the transition element, improve flow through the transitionelement and into the tube, or other benefits as desired.

In one example of a transition element, a circular-shaped inlet fitting550 (FIGS. 48-50) is coupled to each tube 194. The inlet fittingincludes a wall 552 defining a first bore 554 into which a tube 194 isinserted. A second wall 556 defines a counter bore extending from thebore 552 into a transverse inlet passage 558. An end face of the tubebutts against a transition wall 560. The transition wall 560 preferablyextends radially a distance that is substantially equal to or greaterthan the wall thickness of the tube, so that the diameter of the counterbore 556 is the same or slightly less than the inside diameter of thetube. Alternatively, the bore 554 can extend completely through the wallof the inlet fitting without restriction by a transition wall, in whichcase the tube can extend into the bore 554 a distance sufficient to holdthe tube in place and allow the desired fluid flow into the tube fromthe inlet fitting. The tube can also extend so that the tube end isflush with a cylindrical wall 562, or may extend interior to the wall562.

The transverse inlet passage 558 is defined by a cylindrical wall 562passing completely through the inlet fitting from a first inlet rim 564to a second inlet rim 566. The diameter of the transverse inlet passage558 may be a number of times larger than the inside diameter of thetube, as depicted in FIGS. 49 and 50 showing the relative sizes, but italso can be less than twice the inside diameter of the tube. Thethickness of the inlet fitting, from the first inlet rim 564 to thesecond inlet rim 566 is preferably substantially identical to thethickness of the blade core, from the outside of the inside disc to theoutside of the outside disc. In the example of the inlet fitting shownin FIGS. 49-50, the inlet fitting includes an annular rim 568 extendingcompletely around the otherwise cylindrical body of the inlet fitting.The annular rim 568 is preferably precisely centered between the firstinlet rim 564 and the second inlet rim 566, and extends radially outwardfrom the cylindrical body of the fitting a distance sufficient to besecurely sandwiched between the inside disc and outside disc of theblade core. That distance is slightly less than the thickness of theannular rim. The thickness of the annular rim is preferablysubstantially the same as the thickness of the medial disc.

The inlet fitting in the example shown in FIGS. 48-50, the fitting ispreferably symmetric about a plane centered in the annular rim, parallelto the blade core. The inlet fitting may include a draft or sloped wallspeaked at a high point on a diameter through the opening 554. The inletrims 564 and 566 and the annular rim slope (FIG. 50) toward a planecentered in the annular rim.

In the example of an inlet fitting having an inlet passage waysubstantially larger than the tube, and where the blade includes afitting and tube for every other segment, the inlet fittings can bearranged on two or more concentric circles as shown in FIG. 48. Thestaggered arrangement of the inlet fittings helps to reduce thepossibility of weakening the medial disc. The inlet fittings representedin FIG. 48 would be positioned in the blade core between the arbor holeon the inside and the clamping area of the blade flange on the outside.In the configuration of the inlet fittings shown in FIGS. 48-50, fluidcan be supplied from both sides of the blade from within the bladeflange or from a single side through the respective blade flange. Inanother example of the inlet fitting, one end of the inlet passage 558can be closed off so that fluid is supplied from the opposite, open end,and in this example only from the opposite end. Any of the inletfittings described herein can be configured to have fluid supplied fromonly one or from both sides of the blade or from more than onedirection.

On assembly, the tube 194 can be inserted into the bore 554 the desireddistance. In the example shown in FIG. 49, the tube end face is pressedagainst the transition wall 560. If the transition wall is omitted, thetube can be inserted to terminate inside the inlet passage 558, or flushwith the wall 562. The assembled tube and inlet fitting, along with allthe other assembled tube and inlet fittings, is then inserted into amedial disc, preferably after the medial disc is placed on an adjacentouter disc with adhesive in between. Tolerances between the inletfitting and the discs may be such that the inside and/or outside discsmay be tapped to seat the inlet fittings in their respective openings orpressure may be applied otherwise to fully seat the discs and thefittings, inserts, nozzle bodies and nozzle elements described herein.With selected tolerances, the fittings, inserts, nozzle bodies andnozzle elements can serve as registration points or alignment elementsduring assembly of the blade. The opposite end of the tube extends to orout of the perimeter edge of the blade core, to be used as is, to betrimmed to the desired length, or to be attached to a nozzle eitherbefore or after the tube is placed in the medial disc. The tube can beheld in place in the inlet fitting in a number of ways. The tube may beheld in place through mechanical means incorporated in the inletfitting, by being held along with the inlet fitting in the blade coresuch as through an interference fit, adhesive or other holding means, orby being sandwiched between the inlet fitting and a nozzle or otherstructure adjacent the outlet end of the tube. The inlet fitting caninclude mechanical means such as a barb, compression fit, tube stop,adhesive or welding, or other mechanical ways for holding the tube inplace. Adhesive used to hold the tube in place may be the same polymeras is used to hold the discs together, such as may be applied inconjunction with the blade assembly process. Where the tube is usedwithout a separate nozzle element, the tube is kept extending out of thecore until the adhesive is applied and set, spreading into the channelsand any spaces between the tubes and the core, and then cured. Once thecore is cured, the tubes may be trimmed or cut as desired.

The inlet fittings described herein can be made out of the same materialand composition as any of the nozzles described herein. In any case, anyexample of the inlet fitting described herein can be formed from ABSmaterial or a fiber reinforced nylon or similar material. Anotherpossible material includes Ultramid 8231 F HS glass reinforced nylon.Preferably the material and the composition can withstand the vibrationand fluid pressure developed during use, and in concrete cuttingmachines, the fluid pressure is often about 80 psi. If fibers areincluded in the material composition, the fibers can be carbon, glass,or other fibers.

In another example of an inlet fitting (FIGS. 51-53), an inlet fitting570 includes a rim structure 572 with fluid flow structures extending atan angle with respect to each other. In the example shown in FIGS.51-53, a first fluid flow structure 574 extends to one side of the rim572 and a second fluid flow structure 576 extends to a second side ofthe rim, in this example to the opposite side. The inlet fitting 570includes a third fluid flow structure 578 extending in the same plane asthe rim 572, approximately perpendicular to the first and second fluidflow structures 574 and 576, respectively.

The first and second fluid flow structures are preferably circular incross-section, and have a height extending away from the rim 572approximately equal to the respective thicknesses of the inside andoutside discs of the blade core. The shapes and dimensions of the firstand second fluid flow structures are preferably chosen to give arelatively tight fit with the inlet openings in the corresponding discsof the blade core. Alternatively, sufficient spacing can be providedbetween the fluid flow structures and corresponding openings in thediscs to receive a desired thickness of polymer. The inside openings ofthe first and second fluid flow structures are chosen to give thedesired fluid pressure and flow into the blade, while still providing areliable structure suitable for the operating conditions.

The rim 572 in the examples of FIGS. 51-53 extends entirely around thebody of the inlet fitting. The rim extends radially outward from thefirst and second fluid flow structures a distance sufficient to allowthe inlet fitting to be captured or, the present examples, sandwichedbetween the inside and outside discs and held in the correspondingopening in the medial disc. The radial distance of the rim may beselected as desired, but is preferably sufficient to reliably hold theinlet fitting in place in the blade core while still leaving enoughmaterial in the medial disc for structural support.

The third fluid flow structure 578 extends from the rim 572substantially perpendicular to an axis 580 of the first and second fluidflow structures. In the examples shown in FIGS. 51-53, the first andsecond fluid flow structures are substantially circular and centeredaround the axis 580. The third fluid flow structure has the form of anarm or tail 582 extending away from the rim 572. The arm 582 has athickness 584 substantially the same as the thickness of the medialdisc. The leading and trailing edges of the arm are spaced apart fromeach other a distance sufficient to have a close friction fit with theadjacent walls of the medial disc, or a sufficient space can be leftbetween the adjacent surfaces of the arm 582 and the medial disc for adesired layer of polymer. In the example shown in FIGS. 51-53, the arm582 has a width 586 substantially the same as the diameter of the rim572.

The first and second fluid flow structures 574 and 576 include a commonwall 588 extending from a first rim 590 to a second rim 592. The wall588 defines a flow channel 594 for receiving fluid from outside theblade. In the example of the inlet fitting 570 of FIGS. 51-53, fluidenters the flow channel 594 from both ends. The arm 582 includes a wall596 defining a second channel 598 (FIG. 53). The second channel extendsaway from the channel 594 to an end wall 600, forming the end of the arm582. The second channel extends in a direction along a second axis 602substantially perpendicular to the first axis 580 so that the arm 582extends substantially perpendicular to the first and second fluid flowstructures.

The second channel 598 in the examples shown in FIGS. 51-52 has an ovalcross-section with substantially straight sides and semi-circular endsdefining an oval channel for receiving a tube. The oval shape gives agreater cross-sectional flow area than a circular cross-section. Thetube may also have an oval cross-section in a relaxed state, or may havea round cross-section and pressed into an oval cross-section to take theshape of the second channel 598. Additionally, the dimensions of thecorresponding channel 240 formed by the medial disc are such as toreceive a tube having an oval cross-section or a circular tube pressedinto the channel to an oval shape. The length of the channel 598 isselected to give greater support to and surround a larger portion of theupstream end of the tube. The tube can extend into the first channel594, may stop with the upstream end face flush with the wall 588, or theend face may be positioned somewhere between the wall 588 and the endwall 600. In another example, an internal annular wall may be formedwithin the second flow channel 598 to provide a seat against which theend face of the tube can rest. The shape of the opening defined by theinternal annular wall is preferably the same as the shape of the tubewhen inside the channel 598, and the size of the opening is preferablythe same or slightly smaller than the opening of the tube.

The tube may be held in the inlet fitting, as with any of the inletfittings described herein, by holding means such as those describedabove. Those may include a polymer, adhesive, mechanical means aspreviously described, or by being sandwiched between the inlet fittingand any nozzle or other structure adjacent the outlet end of the tube.

Another example of a transition element is the inlet fitting 604 (FIGS.54-57). The inlet fitting 604 includes a holding element or positioningelement in the form of a rim 606. The rim 606 helps to position theinlet fitting in a corresponding inlet opening 238 in the medial disc232 (a small portion of which is shown in FIG. 54). The rim preferablysubstantially encircles a first flow structure 608 and extends radiallyoutward from the first flow structure a distance sufficient to besandwiched or otherwise positioned between the inside and outside discsof the blade core. The side of the rim opposite the first flow structure608 is relatively flat, as shown in FIG. 56, and closed to fluid flow,which may help to increase the fluid flow rate possible through theinlet fitting. However, the opposite surface may include a second flowstructure substantially identical to the first flow structure 608, sothat fluid may enter the inlet fitting from both sides. Alternatively,the opposite surface may include a closed disc or other-shaped structurethat would extend into a corresponding opening in the adjacent disc (theouter disc 216) of the blade core, to help position and hold the inletfitting in place relative to the medial disc.

The first fluid flow structure 608 is preferably substantially circular,and extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rim 606.The flow structure 608 in the example shown in FIGS. 54-57 forms asubstantially concentric circular ring around a center axis 610, and theoutside diameter of the circular ring is preferably substantially thesame as or slightly smaller than the corresponding inlet opening 238 inthe medial disc 232. The spacing between the ring and the opening in themedial disc provides a close friction fit, for example for keying orsecurely positioning the inlet fitting 604 relative to the blade core.Alternatively, suitable spacing may be allowed for a desired thicknessof polymer.

The flow structure 608 includes a conical-shaped wall 612 convergingfrom an end face 614 to a substantially cylindrical bore 616 in theinterior of the rim 606. The wall 612 and the bore 616 form an inletflow passage from the outer surface of the blade core, approximatelywhere the end face 614 is positioned, to the interior of the inletfitting. The widest diameter of the inlet flow passage is approximatelytwice the size of the inside diameter of the bore 616, and can besmaller to approximately the same size as the inside diameter of thebore 616.

A third fluid flow structure 618 extends outward from the rim 606,preferably radially and preferably substantially perpendicular to thefirst flow structure 608. The third fluid flow structure forms an arm ortail 620 extending away from the rim 606. The arm 620 has a thickness622 preferably the same as the thickness of the medial disc, and leadingand trailing edges 624 of the arm are spaced apart from each other toprovide a close friction fit with the adjacent walls of the medial disc,or leaving a spacing sufficiently large to receive a desired thicknessof polymer. In the example shown in FIGS. 54-57, the width of the armextending from the rim 606 is smaller than the diameter of the rim 606,and the thickness may be approximately the same as the outside diameterof the flow structure 608.

The arm 620 includes a converging side tip portion 626. The tipconverges to an end face 628 defining an opening 630 (FIG. 54) in theend of the arm 620. The arm, including the converging tip portion,includes a wall 632 defining a channel within which fluid can flow. Inthe example shown in FIGS. 54-57, the channel receives a tube, such astube 194B (FIG. 7B), which is round in the examples described herein.The tube has an outer diameter substantially similar to the insidediameter of the wall 632, so that the tube 194B fit snug along the wall632. The outside diameter of the tube and the inside diameter of thewall are selected so as to allow the tube to be inserted into thechannel while still providing snug contact between the tube and thewall. The diameters can be selected so as to leave spacing for a polymeror adhesive, or other holding means may be provided for securing thetube and the inlet fitting together.

The tube includes an inside diameter 634 that is relatively constant, inthis example. The tube ends at an end face 636 that preferably contactsan adjacent end surface 638 at the end of the wall 632. The end surface638 defines the end of a bore 640 in fluid communication with the bore616 so that fluid from the inlet flow channel can flow into the tube194B. The bore 640 has an inside diameter 642 that is preferably equalto or slightly less than the inside diameter 634 of the tube. In theexample of the structure shown in FIGS. 54-57, the transition from theinlet fitting to the tube has a constant cross-sectional flow area orhas an increasing cross-sectional flow area. Preferably, the path ofdecreasing fluid pressure extends from the inlet fitting to the interiorof the tube, and then to the tube outlet, to the interior of any nozzleor other structure downstream of the tube.

The outer diameter of the rim 606 may be about 0.15 inch, which may beabout 3.125 times the outer diameter of the tube. The outer diameter ofthe tube may be between 0.045 and 0.055 inch, and preferably betweenabout 0.048 inch and 0.052 inch. The inside tube diameter may be about0.025 to about 0.040 inch, but preferably between 0.030 and 0.034 inch.The inside diameter of the channel 642 may be about 0.055 inch. Thesmaller diameter (rim diameter) inlet fitting may allow all inletfittings on a blade to be positioned at a single circular radialposition relative to the center of the blade, rather than beingstaggered as shown in FIG. 48. Additionally, the smaller size may permitmore flow channels for a given blade size, for example a flow channelcorresponding to each cutting segment.

VI. ADDITIONAL TOOL ASSEMBLY EXAMPLES AND COMPONENT CHARACTERISTICS

Another example of a nozzle assembly that may be combined with a fluidflow element and/or a tool described herein is shown in FIGS. 58-67. Inthis example, the nozzle assembly is a nozzle element 650 supported by anozzle body 652. In the present example, the nozzle element 650 hascurved surfaces for relatively uniform fluid flow over the surfaces, anda flow outlet opening 654 and an upper portion of the nozzle element.The nozzle element includes a first side surface 656 and a second sidesurface 658. Each of the first and second side surfaces are curved to beconvex relative to a center plane that can be considered to bisect thenozzle element (for example perpendicular to the drawing page of FIG.59), and they join at a junction point 660 at one and at an nozzleopening surface 672. The two side surfaces are shaped so that the nozzleelement has air foil characteristics. The nozzle element also includesan upper surface 674 that is relatively flat in the area of the outletopening 654 and curves downward to the junction point 660. The curvedsurfaces help to produce more uniform flow of fluid around the nozzleelement, may help to maintain fluid in the area of the cutting segments,and provide a lower fluid pressure in the area of the outlet opening 654when the nozzle element orientation and the blade rotation are such thatthe outlet opening 654 is on the downstream portion of the nozzleelement.

The nozzle element includes a passage way 676 (FIG. 63) within whichfluid may flow to the outlet opening 654 (the passage way 676 in FIG. 63is one-half of the channel forming the passage way). In the exampleshown in FIGS. 58-61, the passage way 676 is centered in the nozzleelement between the first and second side surfaces 656 and 658. Thepassage way 676 includes a relatively straight portion 678 and arelatively continuously curved portion 680 terminating at the outletopening 654. The direction of the straight portion 678 and the amount ofcurvature in the curved portion 680 will determine in part the angle atwhich fluid exits the nozzle element. However, for predictable flowconditions to the outlet opening, directional changes in the flow pathare minimized, and any changes are preferably gradual.

Also as depicted in FIGS. 58-62, the nozzle element 650 is formed fromsubstantially mirror-image side portions, fixed, bonded, secured orotherwise joined to form the passage way 676. Where the nozzle elementis formed integral with side portions of the nozzle body, assembly ofthe nozzle body may determine how the nozzle element is assembled. Thenozzle element can also be formed from a unitary or single-piecestructure, and the nozzle element can be formed separately from thenozzle body.

The nozzle element 650 can be configured to receive and direct the flowof the fluid through the passage way 676 without any other structures.The configuration of the passage way shown in FIG. 63 is one where fluidwill contact the walls of the passage way 676. However, in anotherexample, the passage way 676 can be configured to receive a flow elementsuch as a tube extending within all or part of the passage way 676.

In the example shown in FIG. 58-67, the nozzle element joins arelatively flat upper surface of the nozzle body. The upper surfaceincludes a first upper surface 682 and a second upper surface 684 (FIG.59 and 62). In the present example, the upper surfaces are relativelyflat and will generally coincide with the perimeter surfaces of theblade core between the cutting segments, as described more fully below.The nozzle element 650 extends away from the upper surfaces 682 and 684.The height that the nozzle element extends from the upper surfaces, andtherefore the height of the nozzle element relative to the center of theblade or other tool (refer back to R1 and the discussion in conjunctionwith FIG. 29) can be selected as a function of where the fluid will bedirected. Additionally, the height of the nozzle opening (R2 in FIG. 29)can also be selected to affect were the fluid will be directed.Furthermore, the angle 686 (FIG. 63) also can be used to affect wherethe fluid will be directed. The angle 686 is taken to be the angle atwhich the outlet opening 654 faces relative to the upper surfaces 682and 684, and therefore relative to the perimeter of the blade core.These characteristics of the nozzle element can be selected to producethe desired result. In the example shown in FIGS. 58-67, the angle 686(which is equivalent to theta-1 in FIG. 20) is approximately 15 degreesand the angle theta-2 is approximately 180 degrees, assuming the outletopening is directed opposite the blade rotation (see FIG. 21). If thenozzle outlet opening is directed with the blade rotation, the angletheta-2 would be approximately 0 degrees.

The thickness of the nozzle element varies from the opening surface 672to the junction point 660. In area of the opening surface 672, thethickness is approximately the same as the thickness of the medial disc.As can be seen in FIG. 59, the thickness of the nozzle element increasesbetween the opening surface 672 and the junction point 660, where thethickness is less than the thickness of the medial disc. The variationin thickness approximates an air foil structure, as does the curvatureof the upper surface 674.

The nozzle body 652 provides structural support for the nozzle element650 through the blade or other tool. It also provides a junction orinterface between the flow elements in the blade and the flow structurein the nozzle element. It is also believed that the nozzle body, to theextent that it is within the perimeter of the blade core, helps todampen vibrations in the blade core and improve the structural integrityof the core. The nozzle body can take a number of configurations forcontributing to one or more of these functions. However, the structuresof and the functions served by the nozzle body are not necessary toachieving one or more of the benefits provided by a nozzle element, orby a flow element placed in a blade core without using a nozzle element.

In the configuration of the nozzle body shown in FIGS. 58-67, the nozzlebody includes first and second side surfaces 690 and 692. The first andsecond side surfaces extend generally radially inward from the first andsecond top surfaces 682 and 684, respectively. In the present example,the first and second side surfaces 690 and 692 generally follow thelateral profile or contour of the nozzle body. The side surfaces can begenerally flat, and may be dimensioned to be flush with the respectiveadjacent surfaces of the blade core (FIG. 66), or one or more of thesurfaces can be at least partially non-planar and may includeprojections or indentations or other convex or concave structures. Anexample of a concave configuration is shown at 693 in FIG. 61 in thedashed lines, representing a depression having substantially the sameprofile as the profile of the side face 690. Such non-planar surfacesmay help in controlling or directing fluid flow about the tool, forexample in the cut formed by the tool with fluid and other debris in thevicinity of the cutting segments and of the perimeter of the blade core.

In the example of the nozzle body 652, the side profile is preferablyconfigured in conjunction with corresponding openings in the blade coreso as to reliably hold the nozzle body in the blade core. Therefore, fora rotary blade, the side profile has a reduced amount of surfaceextending exactly radially, the direction of centrifugal force. Forother tools, a profile of the body preferably has a reduced amountsurface extending exactly in the direction of the predominant forceduring normal operation. In the examples shown in FIGS. 58-67, amajority of the surfaces extend off-radius. As indicated in FIG. 61, asignificant amount of the nozzle body surface area contacting thesupporting areas of the blade extend off radius. A radius is indicatedat 694, which would be substantially perpendicular to the upper surfaces682 and 684, and the off-radius directions of the nozzle body profileare indicated at 696. The sides defining the nozzle body profileextending in these directions 696 comprise more than 50 percent of theprofile perimeter, and more in the range of approximately 75 to 85percent. However, it is possible that off-radius sides may be as littleas 1 to 2 percent of the perimeter and still reliably hold the nozzlebody in place, depending on the mass and center of mass of the part.

As shown in FIG. 64, the side profiles of the nozzle body substantiallyconform to respective openings formed in the inside and outside discs ofthe blade core. Assuming for present discussion that the blade 698 inFIG. 64 rotates counter clockwise as viewed in FIG. 64 and the nozzleflow outlet opening is directed opposite the direction of rotation, andalso assuming that the blade is mounted on the right side of a saw in adown cut configuration, the inside disc 700 includes an opening 702conforming to the profile of the side 692 of the nozzle body. It shouldbe understood that the designations of inside and outside, clockwise andcounter clockwise and upper and lower in the context of a rotary cuttingblade are used for purposes of discussion only of the examples set forthherein. The structures and functions of the apparatus and methodsdescribed herein do not rely for their structure or operability on thesedesignations. The outside disc 704 includes a corresponding openingconforming to the profile of the nozzle body side 690. The openings arepreferably configured to provide a tight fit between the nozzle body andthe adjacent surface defining the opening, while still permitting properalignment between the nozzle body and the adjacent disc element.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 58-67, the leading-edge surfaces 706 ofthe second side 692 substantially conform to the shape and size of thecorresponding edge surfaces in the opening 702 in the inside disc 700.The thickness of the leading-edge surfaces 706 is preferablysubstantially the same as the thickness of the inside disc 700. Thespacing between the leading-edge surfaces 706 and the corresponding edgesurfaces of the opening 702 is preferably such as to provide a frictionfit or contact between them, or sized sufficiently to permit the desiredthickness of polymer layer between them. Likewise, the trailing edgesurfaces 708 (FIG. 59) of the second side 692 substantially conform tothe shape and size of the corresponding edge surfaces in the opening702. The thickness of the trailing edge surfaces and the spacing betweenthem and the corresponding edge surfaces of the opening 702 arepreferably, though need not be, the same as those discussed with respectto the leading-edge surfaces. With the dimensions allowing for afriction fit between the nozzle body and the corresponding openings inthe blade core, each nozzle can assist in registering more properly orin positioning the discs of the blade core with respect to each otherwhen the blade is being assembled, as discussed more fully below. Theedge surfaces can be varied in profile, texture or smoothness, forexample to help in holding the nozzle body in place in the blade.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 58-63, the nozzle element and the nozzlebody are preferably, though need not be, symmetrical about a junctionline 710 (FIGS. 58, 60 and 62), except for complementary mating surfacesbetween two halves when the nozzle element and nozzle body are formedfrom to halves. In these examples, leading-edge surfaces 712 of thefirst side 690 also substantially conform to the shape and size of thecorresponding edge surfaces in the opening 702. The thickness of theleading-edge surfaces 712 is preferably substantially the same as thethickness of the outside disc 704. Additionally, the spacing between theleading-edge surfaces 712 and the corresponding edge surfaces of theopening is preferably such as to provide a friction fit or contactbetween them, or sized sufficiently to permit the desired thickness ofpolymer layer between them. Similarly, the trailing edge surfaces 714 ofthe first side 690 substantially conform to the shape and size of thecorresponding edge surfaces in the opening, and the thickness of thetrailing edge surfaces and the spacing between them and thecorresponding edge surfaces of the opening are preferably, though neednot be, the same as those discussed with respect to the leading-edgesurfaces.

The side surface profiles and leading-edge surfaces of the nozzle bodyhelp to position the nozzle body relative to the adjacent discs of theblade core. They also help to reliably hold the nozzle body in place inthe blade core, especially in the radial and arcuate directions. Theside surfaces can also include surface features that may help to defineor promote fluid flow in the areas surrounding the nozzle body.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 58-67, the nozzle body also includeslateral or sideways support for helping to keep the nozzle and thenozzle body in the blade at the desired lateral position. In the presentexample, the nozzle body includes one or more projections in the form ofridges 716. In the examples shown in FIGS. 58-64, the ridges 716 arecontinuous about the perimeter of the nozzle body and substantiallycentered between the edge surfaces 706 and 712, and 714 and its oppositeedge surface. While the ridges 716 need not be continuous, the ridgesare continuous in the example shown in FIGS. 58-64 and will beconsidered a single ridge for purposes of discussion. The ends of theridge 716 are preferably flush with the upper surfaces 682 and 684adjacent the nozzle element 650. The nozzle element therefore extendsinto free space between the segments. As with the ridge 510 in thenozzle body of FIGS. 44-47, the ridge 716 in the present example has arelatively constant width 718 (FIG. 63). The width 718 is preferablysufficient to reliably retain or sandwich the nozzle body between theinside disc 700 and the outside disc 704 of the blade core (FIG. 64).The width of the ridge may vary about the perimeter of the nozzle body,and the width as a function of location can be selected based onexpected loading and other forces. The ridge in combination with itspositioning between the inside and outside discs helps to maintain thelateral position of the nozzle body and the nozzle element. The ridgehas a width such that the perimeter surfaces on the ridge contact or areclose to the corresponding adjacent facing surfaces on the medial discdefining the medial disc opening within which the nozzle body is placed.The medial disc then helps to sandwich or limit movement of the nozzlebody in the radial and the tangential or arcuate directions.

The thickness 720 of the ridge 716 (FIG. 62) in the examples shown inFIGS. 58-64 is selected to be the same as the thickness of the medialdisc 722 (FIG. 64). Where the thickness 720 is identical to that of themedial disc 722, the polymer thickness between each side surface of theridge and the adjacent inside surface of the inside or outside disc willbe typically the same as the polymer thickness between the medial discand the adjacent inside or outside disc. Surfaces on the ridge, and alsoon other parts of the nozzle body contacted by the polymer, aregenerally substantially smooth, but they can be changed in smoothness ortexture, for example to change the characteristics of the bondinginterface between the polymer and the ridge surface. Other surfaces onthe nozzle body not contacted by the polymer are also generally smoothin texture, but they can also be changed in smoothness or texture, forexample to change the characteristics of the fluid flow across thosesurfaces.

The nozzle body includes a passage way 724 in fluid communication withthe passage way 676 in the nozzle element, to allow fluid to flowthrough the nozzle body to the passage way 676. The passage way 724 inthe nozzle body may except fluid flowing directly in the passage way, ormay receive a fluid flow element such as a tube within which the fluidpasses to the nozzle element. In the example shown in FIG. 63, thepassage way 724 generally follows the profile of the nozzle body havinga first leg 726 in a lower portion of the nozzle body and a second leg728 in an upper portion of the nozzle body adjacent the nozzle element650. The passage way 724 is formed from a substantially circular bore730. In the example of FIG. 63, the bore 730 terminates at a counterbore 732, and the counter bore 732 receives the end of a tube or otherfluid flow element with an end surface positioned against the bottom 734of the counter bore. The length of the counter bore and itscross-sectional configuration (circular or otherwise) can be selected asdesired, and the counter bore may extend the short distance shown inFIG. 63 or may extend any distance within the nozzle body and/or thenozzle element, including up to the nozzle element, into the nozzleelement and to the outlet opening 654. The counter bore 732 opens outthrough the bottom of the ridge 716, and is approximately the samediameter as the thickness 720 of the ridge. While the entrance to theflow passage 726 can occur anywhere in the nozzle body, it is preferablycentered on a perimeter of the nozzle body, and preferably centered inthe ridge 716. Additionally, the opening into the passage way 724 may beupward and to the left as viewed in FIG. 63 so that the first leg 726 issubstantially parallel to the second leg 728. Other configurations canalso be used for getting the fluid from the tube or other flow elementto the nozzle opening outlet 654. In another configuration, the nozzlebody and nozzle element can both be configured so that the tube extendscompletely through the nozzle body and nozzle opening.

In the example shown in FIGS. 58-63, the nozzle element and the nozzlebody are formed from two substantially mirror image halves fixed, glued,bonded, welded or otherwise secured together, preferably so that thepassage way 724 is fluid-tight if fluid is to be flowing in contact withthe passage way. One nozzle body half includes pins, posts, projectionsor other joinder elements 736 for extending into corresponding openings,holes, or recesses or other complementary surfaces in the oppositefacing portion of the other nozzle body half. The cross-sectionalprofile of the posts 736 shown in FIG. 63 is hexagonal, andcorresponding openings in the other nozzle body half are also preferablyhexagonal. The posts and openings may be fit together with a frictionfit, bonding, gluing, welding or other securement. The two halves mayalso be secured together by applying glue or bonding material to otherfacing surfaces of the two halves. For example, as representedschematically in FIG. 65, the two halves may be placed together withtheir oppositely facing surfaces against each other, or with an adhesiveor other polymer layer in between, while keeping the bore 730un-obstructed. Alternatively, or additionally, the two halves mayinclude complementary engagement surfaces 738 and 740, for exampleextending the length of the nozzle body substantially parallel to thebore 730. Adhesive (not shown) may be placed between the adjacent,opposite-facing surfaces.

As shown in FIG. 64, the nozzle body 652 and therefore the nozzleelement 650 is positioned at a perimeter portion of the blade core, withthe nozzle body 652 positioned in respective openings in the inner disc700, the medial disc 722 and the outer disc 704. The ridge 716 issandwiched between the inner and outer discs and the edges 706, 708,710, 712 and 714 are positioned and held adjacent their respective,oppositely-facing edges in the openings formed in the inner and outerdisks. The upper surfaces 682 and 684 (FIGS. 59 and 64) preferablyextend substantially flush with the corresponding outer perimetersurfaces 742 and 744, respectively, of the inner and outer disks (forexample with the same curvature as the outer perimeter of the bladecore), so that the nozzle body is positioned within an envelope definedby the blade core. The nozzle element 650 extends outside the envelopeof the blade core, while in the example shown in FIG. 64, the nozzleremains in an envelope defined by the segmented blade assembly. Thenozzle element 650 is positioned between adjacent segments 746 and 748,and the outlet opening 654 opens toward the trailing segment 748.

As represented in FIG. 61, the nozzle element 650 and/or the nozzle body652 may include additional outlet openings 750 for allowing fluid toflow outside the blade. The outlet openings 750 preferably open intoopen-air, and may take any configuration as any of the nozzles describedherein, including direction, flow pattern, frequency, and the like. Forexample, the outlet openings 750 may be low-flow openings, such as a lowflow conical spray pattern having relatively low fluid velocity,intended to provide a fluid layer over a perimeter path traveled by theparticular outlet opening 750 at a radial position approximated by theradial position of the outlet opening. The orientation and positioningof each outlet opening, and their relative distribution for multipleoutlets may be selected as desired.

The nozzle element 650 and the nozzle body 652 in the example of FIGS.58-67 have been described as having a number of identified features. Itshould be understood that the nozzle element 650 and/or the nozzle body652 can be configured and used with fewer than all of the featuresdescribed 30 and still obtain one or more of the benefits of thestructure and/or function. Additionally, the nozzle element 650 and/orthe nozzle body 652 can incorporate one or more of any of the featuresdescribed herein with respect to any other nozzle element or nozzlebody, as desired. Conversely, the nozzle element 650 and/or the nozzlebody 652 can incorporate one or more of other features described hereinwith respect to other nozzle elements and nozzle bodies, as desired.

One or more nozzle elements can be incorporated into a blade assembly752 such as that shown in FIG. 67. In the example shown in FIG. 67, thenozzle elements are supported by the nozzle bodies 652. The nozzlebodies are distributed in the example shown in FIG. 67 evenly around theperimeter of the blade assembly, so that a nozzle element is positionedbetween pairs of adjacent segments, in every other gap between segments.If the blade rotation as shown in FIG. 67 is counter clockwise 754, thenozzle elements are positioned and configured to direct fluid toward theon coming segment. The relative positioning and orientation of thenozzle elements and nozzle bodies in the blade assembly 752 ispreferably substantially the same as that depicted in FIG. 64. A nozzleelement is supplied with fluid through a respective fluid flow elementsuch as a tube 756 extending from an inlet opening 758 radially outwardfrom an arbor hole 760. The inlet opening may include a transitionelement in the form of an inlet fitting such as any of those describedherein. Fluid may be supplied to the blade using the blade flange orother fluid supply structure such as those described herein. Non-fluidflow structures, for example having the same profile as the nozzlebodies and/or nozzle elements, may be inserted into perimeter openingsnot occupied by a fluid-flow nozzle element, or the perimeter openingscould remain empty, or no openings could be formed. Such non-fluid flowstructures could be identical in shape and profile to a nozzle bodyalone, or could be identical in shape and profile to a nozzle body andnozzle element combination. Other shapes and profiles could also beused. It is believed that such non-fluid flow structures could help todamp vibrations or other effects of loading of the blade during normaloperation.

In another example of a nozzle assembly 770 (FIGS. 68-71) that may becombined with a fluid flow element and/or a tool described herein, thenozzle assembly 770 includes a nozzle element 772 having a configurationand characteristics very similar to the nozzle element 650 (FIGS. 58-64,the discussion of which nozzle assembly is incorporated herein byreference for further details about the nozzle assembly 770, to theextent not inconsistent therewith). In the example shown in FIGS. 68-71,the nozzle element flow passage 774 includes a relatively gradualcurvature (FIG. 70) following in part a similarly gradual curvature inthe flow passage way 776. The curvature in the flow passage way 776 ispreferably relatively constant throughout most of the nozzle body, withthe purpose of having the flow exit at a selected angle and to have agradual curvature in the tube. In the example shown, the tube can extendthe entire length of the flow channel. The flow passage 774 opens out toan outlet opening 778, positioned and configured to be similar to theoutlet opening 654 described earlier. However, other positions andconfigurations for the nozzle element and the outlet opening can beselected.

The nozzle assembly 770 also includes a nozzle body 780 through whichthe flow passage way 776 extends. In this example, the nozzle elementand the nozzle body are formed from substantially very image halvesassembled and secured together in a manner similar to that describedabove with respect to FIGS. 58-64. The nozzle assembly 770 also includesa holding element in the form of ridge 782. The ridge 782 extends aroundthe nozzle body 780 in a manner similar to that described with respectto FIG. 58-64. The configuration of the ridge 782 is similar to thatpreviously described for the ridge 710.

An extension or tail 784 extends from the nozzle body 780 in a directionradially inward from the nozzle body. The tail 784 is an extension ofthe ridge 782 and provides additional lateral support for the nozzlebody in the blade core. The tail 784 preferably has the same thicknessas the ridge 782, and is also substantially centered width-wise with theridge 782. In the present example, the tail 784 is substantiallystraight extending radially inward. Additionally, the tail 784 can alsobe considered an extension of the nozzle body 780, and in otherexamples, the tail 784 may be extended in any direction. For example,the tail 784 can have a greater thickness into the inside disc, theoutside disc or both, and either or both of the inside and outside discscan have openings formed completely there-through to receive thegreater-width portions of the tail 784.

In the example shown in FIGS. 68-71, the tail 784 includes a flowpassage 786 for allowing fluid flow through the passage. Fluid flowthrough the passage 786 can be directly by fluid flow in contact withthe walls of the passage 786, or may be through a fluid flow elementinserted into the passage 786. In the present example, the tail 784forms an extension of the ridge 782 as well as extension for supportinga fluid flow element such as a tube extending within the flow passage786 from the blade core. As with other examples discussed herein, afluid flow element, for example a tube, can be received in the flowpassage 786 passively, with mechanical engagement including bonding,adhesive, welding or otherwise. Additionally, the fluid flow element canextend partially or completely within the flow passage 786, partially orcompletely within the flow passage 776, within the flow passage 774 orwith the opening end extending out of the outlet opening 778. Where thetube extends out of the nozzle outlet opening, the flow assembly can beassembled into the medial disc and blade core with the tube extendingloosely out of the nozzle. Thereafter, the tube can be trimmed to thedesired length.

In another example of the nozzle body 780 (not shown), the tail 784 mayextend from the nozzle body so as to provide a relatively straight flowpath (in the direction of the arrow 786A in FIG. 70) from the tail tothe flow passage 774. In this configuration, the tube enters the nozzlebody in the same manner as just described in the preceding sentences,but the approach of the tube to the tail 784 may be at another angle.Additionally, the curvature of the tubes in the blade core asrepresented in FIG. 72 can be reversed so that the angle of approachalong the line 786A is more gradual than that shown in present FIG. 72.The concept of the relatively straight path of the fluid or of the tubeand fluid is incorporated into the nozzle assembly discussed withrespect to FIGS. 73-75.

The cross-section of the nozzle body shown in FIG. 71 shows a post 788extending into an opening 790 for holding the two halves together. Thecross-section also shows concave portions 792 formed in the sidesurfaces of the nozzle body. The concave portions may assist inaffecting the fluid dynamics around a blade in the area of the nozzleassemblies.

The nozzle assemblies 770, as well as the other nozzle assembliesdiscussed as examples, can be incorporated into a blade assembly, partof which is shown in FIG. 72. The blade assembly 794 has one side discremoved to expose a medial disc 796, with the nozzles 770 positionedbetween segments, with a nozzle positioned after every two segments. Thespaces between segments not occupied by a nozzle assembly 770 have slots798 formed in the medial core. The slots can be omitted from theadjacent discs (inside and outside discs). In another example, the slots798 and semi-circular gullets at the ends of the slots can be formed inthe medial disc 796, and the adjacent inside and outside discs mayinclude semi-circular gullets identical to and aligned with the adjacentsemi-circular gullets in the medial disc.

The medial disc in the example shown in FIG. 72 includes transitionelements fitted in fluid inlet openings similar to the inlet fitting 604shown in and described with respect to FIGS. 54-57. The medial disc 796also includes fluid flow elements such as tubes extending in channels800 formed in the medial disc. The tubes extend from the inlet fittingsto the nozzle assemblies in the channels.

The channels 800 in the medial disc 794 extend radially and partlyarcuately from the inlet fittings to the respective nozzle assembly. Thecurvature of the channels 800 has a radius of curvature wherein theradius is centered in the direction of rotation away from the respectivechannel 800. In other words, if the blade 794 shown in FIG. 72 wererotating counter clockwise, the channel would appear convex when lookingin the counter clockwise direction. Alternatively, the channels and thetubes can be oriented in the opposite direction so that they appearconcave when looking in the counter clockwise direction. In thisorientation, the centrifugal forces developed during rotation help todraw the fluid along the tubes and reduce flow direction changes in theflow passageways.

The medial disc 796 includes portions 802 formed when the channels 800are formed in the medial disc. In the example shown in FIG. 72, eachportion 802 has the form or an arcuate wedge, and includes at least oneaperture 804, and specifically three apertures 804 in the example shownin FIG. 72 extending completely through each portion 802 of the medialdisc. In this configuration, a circle of apertures is formed at threeradial positions in the medial disc relative to the arbor opening 806(in addition to the inlet openings, slots 798 and the openings for thenozzle assemblies). Each aperture fills with polymer during assembly ofthe medial, inner and outer discs and during curing of the blade core.The combination of the apertures and polymer strengthen the blade, andreduce the effects of loading and vibration. The combination helps todampen vibrations occurring in the blade during operation. Duringassembly, polymer can be applied directly into each of the apertures804. Additionally, each of the apertures can be filled with a materialother than the polymer applied between the discs, and the other materialmay be liquid or solid, or may turn solid during or after curing. In analternative example, the apertures may be recesses or depressionsextending only part way through the medial disc material. As notedpreviously, the combination of the tube or other flow element and thepolymer or adhesive also help to strengthen any blade laminationstructure, particularly in side loading.

In the configuration of the medial disc shown in FIG. 72 (and also inFIG. 78), the holes 804 in a given wedge portion 802 are all centeredwidthwise of the wedge or centered between flow paths, but they can beformed in other locations as well. Additionally, when consideringadjacent wedges in FIG. 78, each hole 804 is on its own radius, and notwo holes are on the same radius. In a configuration where the flowchannels 800 follow a radius, more than one hole 804 may fall on thesame radius, where multiple holes are on the same wedge portion 802.

A plurality of slots 809 are formed in the medial disc as shown in FIG.72 (and also in FIG. 78) for stress relief. The slots extend from aperimeter of the medial disc to a substantially circular opening 809Aspaced from the perimeter. In the configuration of the discs shown inFIGS. 77-78, the slots 809 depend from arcuate surfaces formed in theperimeter edge of the medial disc, and the circular openings 809A areomitted. Corresponding arcuate surfaces are formed in the adjacent outerdiscs, partly for registration or alignment purposes.

In another example of a flow element that may be combined with a tooldescribed herein, and more specifically a plurality of flow elementsassembled into a flow assembly, a flow assembly 810 can include, as anassembly, a transition element in the form of the inlet fitting 812 anda substantially linear flow element in the form of tube 814 andinterface in the form of nozzle body 816, along with a flow changingelement in the form of nozzle element 818. Alternatively, otherassemblies can include an inlet fitting 812 and tube 814, or tube 814and the interface 816, or an inlet fitting 812 and tube 814, or tube814, interface 816 and nozzle element 818. In the present example, theinlet fitting 812, the tube 814, the nozzle body 816 and the nozzleelement 818 can be assembled as a unit and combined as a unit with ablade. Other combinations of these units can also form assemblies aswell to be used in a blade or other tool. An exemplary blade with whichthe assembly can be used includes the blade shown in FIG. 72.

In the present example of FIGS. 73-76, the nozzle element 818 isreleasably retained or secured in the nozzle body 816 to minimize thepossibility of the nozzle element 818 disengaging from the nozzle body816. However, manipulation of the nozzle element and/or the nozzle bodyor combinations thereof permits the nozzle element to be separated fromthe nozzle body and removed from the blade. The same or other nozzleelements can thereafter be inserted into and retained by the nozzlebody, as desired. The configuration of a releasably retained nozzleelement permits replacement of worn or broken nozzle elements, changingconfigurations of nozzle elements to produce other flow characteristics,such as flow patterns, flow directions and the like, as discussedelsewhere herein.

The inlet fitting 812 and the tube 814 are preferably substantially thesame as those elements described above with respect to FIGS. 54-57. Thetube 814 and extends into the nozzle body 816 at a base portion 820extending longitudinally relative to a flow axis 822 through the nozzlebody 816. The tube 814 butts up against a sleeve or shoulder portion 824having an inside diameter preferably slightly larger than the insidediameter of the tube 814, and preferably slightly smaller than theinside diameter of the flow path in the nozzle element 818. The inletfitting 812, the tube 814 and the nozzle body 816 can otherwise beconfigured and assembled together in any manner described elsewhereherein.

The nozzle body 816 has a side profile similar to that of the nozzlebody described previously with respect the FIG. 68-71, with a relativelysmall percentage of radially-extending edge portions, while having aridge portion 826 extending substantially around that portion of theperimeter of the nozzle body at or inside the perimeter of the bladecore. The thickness of the ridge 826 and that of the base portion 820are preferably the same as the thickness of the medial disc in the bladecore. The width of the ridge 826 and the size and shape of the baseportion 820 are preferably selected so as to have the nozzle body 816reliably position and held in place in suitable openings and alongsuitable surfaces formed in the inside, outside and medial discs of theblade core, or such other blade core configuration suitable forincorporating flow assemblies such as those described herein. One ormore of the side faces of the nozzle body may include or incorporatesurface configurations such as concave surfaces 826 for fluidlubrication, fluid flow or to otherwise affect material characteristicsin the area of the perimeter of the blade.

The nozzle body 816 includes a retaining or securing element or assemblyfor releasably retaining or securing the nozzle element 818 in thenozzle body. In the examples shown in FIGS. 73-76, the nozzle body 816includes a releasable holding element 828. The holding element 828includes detent elements or other structures for maintaining theposition of the holding element 828 until manually or otherwiseintentionally repositioned so that a release surface 830 (FIG. 75)extends parallel to the axis 822 (in the present example). When theholding element 828 is repositioned to extend parallel, the nozzleelement 818 is allowed to be removed or another nozzle element to beinserted. With holding element is repositioned so that the releasesurface 830 is no longer aligned with the axis 822, the nozzle element818 is substantially held in place. In the configuration shown in FIGS.73-76, the release surface 830 is a flat side surface on an otherwisecircular holding element 828. The holding element 828 may be supportedby, retained in or otherwise laterally fixed in position in the nozzlebody while still allowing pivoting or rotating movement of the holdingelement 828. The holding element 828 may include two disc portions oneach side of an annular groove in the holding element 828, and one ormore extensions from the nozzle body may extend into the annular grooveto hold the holding element 828 in place while still allowing pivotingor rotation to release and to lock the nozzle element 818. Otherconfigurations can be used to releasably hold the holding element 828hold the nozzle element while still allowing selective release of thenozzle element.

The nozzle element 818 can take a number of configurations. In theexample shown in FIGS. 73-76, the nozzle includes a relatively straightleg portion 832 extending into a complementary cavity in the nozzle body816. The leg portion 832 extends a substantial distance of the height ofthe nozzle body, and preferably over half the distance from the top edgesurface 834 of the nozzle body to the bottom edge surface 836 of thebase portion 820. The leg portion 832 includes a concave surface 838extending width wise of the leg portion, and substantially conforming tothe immediately adjacent surface of the holding portion 828 when theholding portion 828 is in the holding position shown in FIG. 75. The legportion includes a base surface 840 configured to fit closely in acorresponding base surface of the cavity in the nozzle body 816. Thebase surface 840 can be configured to bear against a seal element, suchas an O-ring (not shown), extending around the external surface of theshoulder portion 824. However, a seal element can be omitted.

The nozzle element includes a flow channel 842 extending from the basesurface 840 to an outlet opening 844. The flow channel includes asubstantially straight portion 846 extending the length of the legportion 832, a curving portion 848 and a straight outlet portion 850extending from the curving portion 848 to the outlet opening 844. Theflow channel 842 preferably also includes a counter bore 852 extendinginward from the base surface 840 for extending over and fitting closelyaround the upwardly-extending portion of the shoulder portion 824, asshown in FIG. 75. The flow channel 842 and the curving portion 848 maybe formed from a separate flow element, such as a tube inserted ormolded into the nozzle element 818. For example, where the nozzleelement is a single part, the tube may be blow molded into place, orroto-molded, and where the nozzle element is formed from two halves thetube may be inserted in place.

The nozzle element includes a locating portion 854 in the form of a postor pin extending radially inward from an under surface 856 of the nozzleelement. Locating portion 854 extends into a complementary recess forother opening in the top edge surface 834 of the nozzle body. Thelocating portion 854 helps to properly position the nozzle elementrelative to the axis 822. The nozzle element may also include a lipsurface 858 to help in positioning the nozzle element relative to thenozzle body 816.

The flow assembly 810 can be assembled as described herein and assembledwith a blade also as described herein. It may be assembled into theblade as a unit or as individual pieces. Additionally, a number of flowassemblies can be combined into a comprehensive flow assemblies, forexample a series of adjacent flow assemblies connected to each other bya web or other connection. The web may be configured such that thespacing between adjacent flow assemblies is the same as the spacing ofthose assemblies in the final blade assembly. The comprehensive flowassembly can then be applied or positioned as necessary in the medialdisc or other disc with two or more of the nozzle assemblies connectedwith the web. The web can then be removed or the blade core can curedand the web removed, or the final blade assembled after which the web isremoved. Combinations of the other fluid flow elements and componentscan also be assembled and placed in the blade core in substantially thesame way, using a web or other combination to aid in assembly orhandling. A web can extend connecting one or each group of the inletfittings, the tubes and/or the nozzle bodies/nozzle elements.

The nozzle element 818 is positioned in the nozzle body by inserting theleg 832 into the cavity and positioning the nozzle element so that thepost 854 engages a complementary opening in the top surface 834 of thenozzle body. The leg 832 is positioned in the cavity while the releasesurface 830 on the holding element 828 is oriented parallel to the axis822. Once the base surface 840 is adjacent the bottom of the cavity, theholding element 828 is moved so that the curved surface thereof movesinto the concave surface 838 of the nozzle element. Once the holdingelement 828 has moved sufficiently to securely engage the concavesurface 838, detent or other holding portions may become engage toreliably hold the holding element 828 and fellow holding element isintentionally moved again. The holding element can be moved in a numberways, including manually, through a key element or a suitable toolconfigured to engage and move the holding element. Other means may beused to releasably hold the nozzle element in place. The nozzle elementcan be replaced as desired, removed for inspection and re-installed, orleft out. If the nozzle element is left out, the nozzle body becomes thenozzle, as the terminus for the tube 814.

Another example of a tool in the form of a cutting blade and anotherexample of a flow changing element and body are shown in FIGS. 77-95.The flow changing element and/or the body can be combined with any ofthe other flow elements and/or tools described herein. In theseexamples, the inside, outside and medial discs are substantially thesame as those described with respect to FIG. 72, except to the extent ofthe configurations for receiving and supporting the flow changingelement and body. Additionally, the configurations of the inlet fittingsand the tubes are also substantially the same. Therefore, the discussionwith respect to FIGS. 77-95 will concentrate on the flow changingelement and the body. Additionally, the methods of assembly and use forthe blade described with respect FIGS. 77-95 are the same as or similarto those described for other blades described herein. The descriptionsof the other examples of blades, transition elements, fluid flowelements, polymers, methods of assembly and methods of use areincorporated herein to this discussion of FIGS. 77-95 by reference tothe extent not inconsistent therewith.

In the present examples, a blade 1000 includes an arbor hole 1002 formounting on an arbor (not shown) of a saw. A circular pattern of equallyspaced openings receive transition elements in the form of inletfittings 1004 to which tubes (not shown in FIGS. 77-95) are engaged orare otherwise in fluid communication. The tubes preferably follow anarcuate path similar to that shown in FIG. 72 to a flow changing elementor to a nozzle body and nozzle, described more fully below. As with allexamples of fluid flow elements in tools discussed or referenced herein,the fluid flow elements, in the present examples the tubes, can extenddirectly to a gullet or other blade edge portion for delivering fluid.However, the examples of FIGS. 77-95 have a nozzle body and a nozzleadjacent the outer end of each tube.

In the examples of FIGS. in 77-99, the blade includes a nozzle body 1006and a nozzle element 1008, each of which are described more fully below.As with other examples described herein, the nozzle body 1006 ispreferably fixed in the blade core, and positioned and sandwiched orotherwise supported in the blade core by the inside, outside and themedial discs. The nozzle body 1006 is spaced radially inward from theouter perimeter of the blade core and from the cutting segments of theblade. The nozzle element 1008 is removably secured to the blade so thatthe nozzle element remains in place during normal operation whileallowing manual removal of the nozzle element, or removal with asuitable tool. In the examples of FIGS. 77-95, the nozzle element 1008is removably secured to the medial disc. The nozzle element and themedial disc include detent elements for holding the nozzle element inplace. Other releasable securement means may be used, that arepreferably suitable to offset or overcome any load that may occur on theremovable portion due to blade rotation.

The nozzle body 1006 and the nozzle element 1008 are each formed asone-piece elements, such as by molding or other fabrication techniques.The one-piece configurations contribute to ensuring that the fluid isreliably contained in the flow path, and also contribute to ensuringthat any fluid pressure is also reliably contained within the flow path.One of and preferably both of the nozzle body and the nozzle element arepositioned in the blade core at an angle (FIG. 78). Positioning theseelements at an angle relative to a radius of the blade reduces theeffect of outward or radial forces on these elements arising from bladerotation.

The separate nozzle body and nozzle element configurations allow thenozzle body to be assembled with the blade separate from the nozzleelement, and the nozzle element added after the blade has been ground,cured and otherwise prepared for use. The separate configurations alsoallow more flexible variations in nozzle configurations both initiallyand over the lifetime of the blade.

The nozzle body and nozzle element include a number of surfaces helpingto hold them in place in the blade during normal operation. For example,the nozzle body 1006 has a relatively small amount of radially-extendingsurface in contact with or adjacent surfaces in the inside, outside andmedial discs in the planes of those discs, on one hand, and a relativelylarge surface area of the nozzle body facing and, therefore, held inplace by adjacent interior facing surfaces of the inside and outsidediscs to hold the nozzle body laterally. For example, the nozzle body1006 (FIGS. 79-88) includes a perimeter holding element in the form of aridge 1010 extending around a portion of the perimeter of the nozzlebody. It extends from an upper surface 1012 to a base or leg portion1014. The dimensions and configuration of the ridge 1010 preferably havethe same or slightly smaller (0.001 in. smaller) thickness as thethickness of the medial disc 1016 and has a width extending from theupper surface 1012 to the base 1014 sufficient to help in holding thenozzle body laterally between the inside and outside discs. The width,along with the configuration of the opening in the medial disc 1016(FIG. 78A) for receiving the nozzle body, is also preferably sufficientto reliably hold the nozzle body in the corresponding opening in themedial disc, in the radial and arcuate or tangent directions.

The base or leg portion 1014 preferably has the same thickness as thethickness of the medial disc 1016 and has a width suitable for reliablyaccepting a tube 1018 (FIG. 78A). The width is also preferablysufficient, along with the configuration of the corresponding opening inthe medial disc 1016, to help in reliably holding the nozzle body in themedial disc in the radial and arcuate or tangent directions. The sidesurfaces including side surface 1020 on the leg portion 1014 incombination with the oppositely facing interior surface of the adjacentdisc also help to hold the nozzle body laterally in the blade core.

A further ridge portion 1022 extends on a side of the leg portion 1014opposite the ridge 1010 a relatively short distance, and substantiallyperpendicular to a radius of the blade. The width and thickness of theridge portion 1022 is preferably the same as that for the ridge 1010.(FIG. 77B shows the opening in the disc 1044 for receiving andsupporting the nozzle body 1006 and the nozzle element 1008. Thesurfaces in the disc 1044 that support the nozzle body and/or nozzleelement either radially and tangentially or laterally are designatedwith reference numbers corresponding to some of the adjacent elements inthe nozzle body or the nozzle element with the added suffix “A”.Additionally, dashed lines are used to show where adjacent surfaceseither underlie (1024A and 1030A) the disc 1034, or overlie (1122A) thedisc. The openings for the nozzle assembly in the disc 1044 are allsubstantially the same in the examples described herein, but they neednot be, and they are substantially the same for the outer disc.)

The nozzle body 1006 includes a first substantially planar holdingportion 1024. The first planar holding portion 1024 has a thicknessapproximately the same as that of the ridge 1010 and functions in asimilar manner in helping to hold the nozzle body laterally within theblade core. The planar extent of the first planar holding portion 1024away from the nozzle body, and the size of the opening in the medialdisc 1016 (FIG. 78A), are preferably such that they help to reliablyhold the nozzle body in the medial disc in the radial and arcuate ortangent directions. The first planar holding portion preferably has aside profile, such as that as viewed in FIG. 81, that is asymmetric. Theasymmetry helps to reliably hold the nozzle body in place in combinationwith the respective inside or outside disc within which that side of thenozzle body is placed. The first planar holding portion 1024 terminatesadjacent an interior side 1026 that extends at an angle relative to theradius of the blade. The planar holding portion also terminates adjacenta side 1028 that extends substantially perpendicular to a radius of theblade. These two sides and the free or exposed side 1029 of the firstholding portion form an approximate triangle.

The nozzle body 1006 also includes a second substantially planar holdingportion 1030, that also has a thickness approximately the same as thatof the ridge 1010 and functions in a similar manner in helping to holdthe nozzle body laterally within the blade core. As with the firstsubstantially planar holding portion 1024, the second holding portionhelps to hold reliably the nozzle body in the medial disc in the radialand arcuate or tangent directions. The second planar portion alsopreferably has a side profile that is asymmetric, and in the exampleshown in FIG. 81 it has a triangular shape. The second holding portionterminates at an interior side 1032 that extends substantiallyperpendicular to a radius of the blade. That side and the holdingportion 1030 terminate at a second side 1034 extending at an angle to aradius of the blade. Each of the first and second planar holdingportions have substantial laterally-facing surface areas that help tolaterally support the nozzle body in the blade core. While they areshown as being asymmetric, large surface areas can also be providedusing relatively uniform geometric shapes. However, such geometricshapes preferably have little or no surfaces extending in the samedirection as forces generated through motion of the tool, in the presentexample centrifugal forces resulting from blade rotation. For example,it is noted that the free edges of the first and second holdingportions, 1029 and 1036, respectively, extend at respective angles to aradius of the blade. Therefore, those free edges surfaces and theadjacent, facing edges of the medial disc help to hold the nozzle bodyin place.

While it is understood that the nozzle body 1006 is a one-piecestructure, the nozzle body when combined with a laminated blade core canbe described conceptually in the context of layers corresponding to thelayers of the blade core. While the nozzle body can be described inother terms when the nozzle body is combined with other toolconfigurations, and the other terms may apply to similar or identicalstructures in a nozzle body, the present example of the nozzle body willbe described in the context of layers for ease of understanding. Variousstructures of the nozzle body are, though need not be, substantiallysymmetric about a center plane, such as that defined by the center line1038 (FIG. 84), and the ridge 1010, 1022 and the holding portions 1024and 1030 are symmetric about the center plane including line 1038.Symmetry about the center plane may help to ensure that the blade runswithout additional vibration due to any asymmetry, but any symmetry canbe purposely eliminated if desired. The ridge and holding portions forma central body portion for the nozzle body, and also coincide with themedial disc 1016 and preferably have the same thickness as the medialdisc. Additionally, the other laterally extending surfaces or componentsdescribed with respect to the nozzle body 1006 and the nozzle element1008 are symmetrical about a plane defined by line 1038, and thediscussion of one side of the nozzle body will apply to thecharacteristics and functions of the structures and configurations ofthe other side. Reference numerals applying to a structure or surface onone side of the center plane will also be used for identical structuresor surfaces on the other side.

The nozzle body 1006 includes a second body layer 1040 (FIG. 80)extending laterally from the central body portion. The second body layerincludes side edges 1042 extending outward from the central body portiona distance substantially equal to the thickness of the adjacent disc,identified for purposes of the present discussion as the inside disc1044 (FIG. 77A). The thickness 1046 (FIG. 84) of the second body layer1040 is approximately the same as the thickness of the inside disc orabout 0.001 in. thicker than the corresponding inside disc (adding about0.002 in. over all, from the contributions from both sides). Theconfigurations and dimensions of the edge surfaces 1042 along with thecorresponding edge surfaces of the inside disc defining a correspondingopening in the inside disc help to support the nozzle body in the radialand arcuate or tangent directions. The edge surfaces 1042 preferablyhave a relatively small percentage of their length extending in anexactly radial direction, so that the non-radial portions can help inholding the nozzle body in place with the adjacent surfaces of theinside disc.

The nozzle body 1006 also includes in the examples shown in FIGS. 77-87a third body layer 1048 extending laterally outward from the second bodylayer 1040. The third body layer 1048 has a thickness 1050 (FIG. 84)measured from the center plane so as to extend beyond the envelope ofthe blade core defined by the outer surface of the inside disc 1044. Tothe extent any part of the third body layer 1048 is either outside orrecessed below the envelope defined by the inside disc 1044, the thirdbody layer will affect the flow of fluid in the area of the nozzle body1006. Any effect on the flow of fluid will depend in part on thedirection and speed of blade rotation, the distance any part of thethird body layer 1048 extends under or beyond the envelope of the insidedisc 1044 and on the orientation of any exposed surfaces relative to thedirection of rotation. The third body layer may contribute to laminarflow, generate localized areas of turbulence or influence the directionof fluid flow. In one example of directing fluid flow, on coming fluidcan be directed in a radially outward direction toward the segments orother structures that might sweep the fluid and any debris out of thecut. The third body layer extends about 0.011 in. beyond the adjacentcore surface (about 0.011 in. on each side of the nozzle body).

The nozzle body 1006 also includes in the examples shown in FIGS. 77-87a fourth body layer 1052 extending from the nozzle body away from thecenter plane. The fourth body layer preferably extends a distance 1054(FIG. 84) greater than the distance away from the center plane that thethird body layer extends so that the fourth body layer is raised fromthe nozzle body relative to the third body layer. The third and fourthbody layers are described herein as being separate only because oneextends a greater distance away from the center plane than the other.The third and fourth body layers do not have to be touching, but areshown in the present example as joining one another along parts of theiredges. However, it should be understood that the third and fourth bodylayers can extend the same distance from the center plane, in which casethey can be jointly considered a third body layer. The third and fourthbody layers are described herein as being distinct because one extendsfrom the center plane a different amount than the other. The fourth bodylayer will affect the flow of fluid in the area of the nozzle body,which affect depends in part on the direction and speed a bladerotation, the thickness of the fourth body layer and the orientation ofany exposed surfaces relative to the direction of rotation of the blade.The fourth body layer extends about 0.0198 in. beyond the adjacent coresurface (about 0.0198 in. on each side of the nozzle body).

In another example of a nozzle body 1006 A and the nozzle element 1008 A(FIG. 84A), the fourth body layer 1056 A (one on each side of the nozzlebody) extends outward from the inside disc 1044 a distance from thecenter plane approximately the same distance that the cutting segment1058 extends to the side of the blade center plane. In the example shownin FIG. 84A, the extent of the body layers and the thickness of thesegment are exaggerated to demonstrate the surface variations. In thisconfiguration, the fourth body layer moving at the relatively high speedof a concrete cutting blade forms a somewhat circular barrier limitingthe movement of material radially inward away from the cutting segments.Additionally, where the fourth body layer 1052 extends along the nozzlebody in the direction of rotation, the movement of the fourth body layerwith rotation of the blade follows an arc, and the radially outwardsurface 1060 A tends to push any fluid it contacts radially outward (seethe dashed arrows 1062 in FIG. 77A). The direction of motion of thefluid resulting from contact with the fourth body layer can be depictedschematically at 1064 (FIG. 84A), and the fluid may be trapped betweenthe fourth body layer and the cutting segment. Any fluid pushed radiallyoutward by the fourth body layer 1056 A will tend to flow toward thecutting segments, including into the space between adjacent cuttingsegments, where the fluid can be swept out of the cutting area.Additionally, any leading-edge surface of the fourth body layer willtend to push any fluid forward as the blade rotates. Aside from thespacing of the fourth body layer from the center plane in the nozzlebody, the configuration and the side profile of the nozzle body shown inFIG. 84A are substantially the same as that shown and described withrespect to FIGS. 79-88. The sizing and positioning of the fourth layer1056A (as well as the other configuration aspects of the fourth bodylayer) can be selected as desired to achieve the desired results. Theeffect on the fluid by the fourth body layer 1056A will be greater thanthat of the fourth body layer 1056 in FIG. 84 due to thelaterally-extending size of the fourth body layer in FIG. 84A. While thefourth body layer 1056A will wear more, with the segment wear, it isbelieved that the wear rate of the fourth body layer 1056A will becomparable to that of the cutting segment.

The nozzle body 1006 has an upper portion 1066 (FIG. 87) that includes apair of top surfaces 1068. Each of the top surfaces 1068 extend adjacentwalls in the respective inside and outside discs, and the upper surface1012 of the ridge 1010 is positioned adjacent a corresponding wall inthe medial disc 1016. The top surfaces and the upper surface help tohold the nozzle body in place in its respective opening in the bladecore. Each top surface 1068 fits flush with the corresponding adjacentsurface of the nozzle element so that there is little or no gap betweenthem. Each top surface 1068 extends from the respective side edge 1042(FIG. 84) to a downwardly-directed angled surface 1070, the angle ofwhich is substantially parallel to the leg portion 1014. The angledsurface 1070 contacts a corresponding surface on the nozzle element1008, and helps to hold or releasably lock the nozzle element in place,preferably with a positive friction fit.

A pair of nozzle element support surfaces 1072 extend substantiallyperpendicular to a radius of the blade from respective angled surfaces1070 to a transverse-extending ramp surface 1074. The ramp surface 1074joins the spaced apart support surfaces. The support surfaces 1072 andramp surface 1074 support the nozzle element 1008.

The support surfaces 1072 and the ramp surface 1074 together withportions of the angled surfaces 1070 define an opening to a first nozzlesupport 1076. The first nozzle support 1076 is substantially rectangularin cross-section 10 extends substantially parallel to the blade portion1014 of the nozzle body. The first nozzle support 1076 extends into thenozzle body approximately halfway to the top of the leg portion 1014.The first nozzle support 1076 includes a base surface 1078 joining theleading and trailing walls 1080 and 1082, respectively, of the nozzlesupport at rounded corners, as viewed in FIG. 88. The base surface 1078includes a substantially circular opening 1084 leading to a bore 1086.

The bore 1086 preferably has a right circular cylindrical cross-section,and the cross-sectional area of the bore 1086 is preferably the same asor slightly larger than the inside diameter of the tube 1018 (FIG. 78B).The tube 1018 fits into a counter bore 1088 (FIG. 88), and an exposedend surface on the tube preferably rests flush against a correspondingend surface 1090 of the counter bore. The counter bore 1088 extends fromthe bore 1086 to the end of the leg portion 1014. Fluid from the tubeflows into the bore 1086 and then into the nozzle element. The fluidcarrying portions of the nozzle body and the nozzle element in theexample shown in FIGS. 79-96 are preferably co-linear and straight, tominimize changes in flow energy between the tube 1018 (FIG. 78A) and theoutlet of the nozzle element.

The top surfaces 1068 of the nozzle body 1006 together with the uppersurface 1012 of the ridge 1010 and a curved bridge wall 1092 define anopening to a second nozzle support 1094. The second nozzle support has asubstantially rectangular cross-section below the curved in the bridgewall 1092, and includes a base wall 1096 having rounded leading andtrailing corners. The second nozzle support 1094 extends into the nozzlebody and helps to support the nozzle element. The second nozzle supportpreferably extends substantially parallel to the first novel support,but less than the distance of the first nozzle support into the nozzlebody. The thickness of the second nozzle support is preferablyapproximately the same as the thickness of the medial disc. The firstand second nozzle support help to properly position the nozzle elementand limit movement of the nozzle support once the nozzle element is inplace in the nozzle body.

The nozzle element 1008 (FIGS. 79-81 and 89-96) includes a leg portion1100 for extending into and seating in the first nozzle support 1076.The leg portion 1100 preferably conforms to the configuration of thefirst nozzle support 1076 with a snug fit between the two. The bottom1102 includes a wall defining an opening 1104 into a straight and rightcircular cylindrical channel 1106 extending from the bottom to a topsurface 1108 and an angled surface 1110. The opening 1102 is preferablylarger in cross-sectional area than that of the bore 1086 (FIG. 85). Thetop surface and the angled surface include a wall defining an opening1112 at the end of the channel opposite the opening 1104. The opening1112 forms an outlet opening for the nozzle element and the angledsurface around the outlet opening helps to draw fluid from the channel.The channel 1106 is preferably substantially straight and centeredwidth-wise in the nozzle element.

The leg portion 1100 includes a leading outer surface 1114 (FIG. 91 and96) that transitions to a curved upper transverse wall 1116 (FIG. 96).The designations “leading” and “trailing” are used for convenience foridentifying structural elements, but it should be understood that theseterms are used in the example shown in FIG. 77 A rotates counterclockwise. If the nozzle body and nozzle element were inserted orconfigured otherwise, the identified edges or surfaces would notnecessarily be “leading” or “trailing.” The upper transverse wall 1116is configured to seat against the bridge 1092.

A second leg portion 1118 extends substantially parallel to the firstleg portion 1100 and is configured to extend into and seat in the secondnozzle support 1094 (FIG. 88). The second leg preferably has arectangular cross-section with rounded bottom surfaces to conform to therounded corners in the second nozzle support 1094. The thickness of thesecond leg preferably is substantially the same as the medial disc 1016.The second leg portion 1118 adds stability to the nozzle element in itsposition in the nozzle body.

The second leg 1118 is supported from above by a holding portion 1120(FIGS. 89-96). The holding portion 1120 helps to hold the nozzle elementin place. The holding portion 1120 is preferably the same thickness asthe medial disc and has an approximate shape of a parallelogram. Thevertically oriented trailing wall 1122 is substantially parallel to thefirst leg 1100 and the upper wall 1124 is substantially parallel to thetop surface 1108 and nozzle support surfaces 1068 (FIGS. 86-88). Whenfully assembled, the upper wall 1124 will be substantially flush withthe outer perimeter of the blade core, and the leading-edge 1122 will beadjacent the corresponding trailing edge surface of the opening in themedial disc that receives the nozzle element. The holding element alsoincludes an engagement portion 1126 for engaging in correspondingsurface 1127 in the medial disc (FIG. 78B). Engagement portion 1126 canhave a number of configurations, and in the example shown in FIGS. 79-85and 89-93, the engagement portion is a protrusion or extension from thesurface 1122 having the shape of a partial cylinder. The holding portion1120 extends away from the leading outer surface 1114 of the first leg1100 a substantial distance, approximately one-half the overall width ofthe nozzle element 1008. The holding portion is supported by andsandwiched between the inside and outside discs of the blade core. Theholding portion also joins the rest of the nozzle element mid-waybetween the sides of the nozzle element to form first and second supportsurfaces 1128 and 1130, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 89-92. In thepresent example, the first support surface 1128 will extend adjacent andbe supported by a corresponding surface in the opening in the insidedisc, and the second support surface 1130 will extend adjacent and besupported by its corresponding surface in the opening in the outsidedisc. The inside and outside discs help to support the nozzle element inplace.

The nozzle element includes a second holding portion 1132 for helping tohold the nozzle element in place in the blade core. The second holdingportion 1132 (FIGS. 90, 93 and 95-96) includes a relatively flat surface1134 facing and extending adjacent corresponding supporting surfaces inthe respective openings in the inside, medial and outside discs. Thesupporting surfaces of the discs help to maintain the nozzle element inposition in the blade core. The second holding portion 1132 alsoincludes an engagement portion 1136 for engaging in a correspondingsurface 1138 in the medial disc (FIG. 78B). The engagement portion 1136can have a number of configurations, and in the example shown in FIGS.90, 93 and 95-96, the engagement portion is a protrusion or extensionfrom the surface 1134 having the shape of a partial cylinder. Engagementportions can also be placed elsewhere on the nozzle element, for helpingto hold the nozzle element in place. For example, engagement portionscan be placed on any of the surfaces of the first and/or second legs toengage complementary surfaces in the nozzle body. Engagement portionscan also be placed on other nozzle body surfaces that will be adjacentsurfaces in the blade core. Additionally, or alternatively, theengagement portions 1126 and/or 1136 can be enlarged to engage more thanone disc in the blade core. For example, the engagement portion 1136 canengage the medial disc and the inside disc, the medial disc and theoutside disc, or the medial disc, inside disc and outside disc. Theengagement portions can also be omitted or combined with enlargement ofother surfaces on the nozzle element to provide greater frictionalengagement with corresponding surfaces in the nozzle body or in theblade core. For example, one or more surfaces on the leg portion 1100can have added material or surface area to increase the holding of thenozzle element by the nozzle body, and such added material may take theform of ridges on the side surfaces of the leg portion 1100 or elsewhereon portions of the nozzle element adjacent the nozzle body.

The nozzle element in the example shown in FIGS. 79-81 and 89-96 ispreferably symmetric about a plane defined by line 1140 in FIG. 95. Thediscussion of one side of the nozzle element will apply to thecharacteristics and functions of the structures and configurations ofthe other side. Reference numerals applying to a structure or surface onone side of the center plane will also be used for identical structuresor surfaces on the other side. In the example of the nozzle elementshown in FIGS. 90 and 92-93, the nozzle element includes a side surface1142. The side surface 1142 is substantially parallel to the inside discand has a thickness 1144 (FIG. 94) sufficient to withstand side loadingthat might be encountered during assembly, use and service. The sidesurface 1142 may also include surface projections, ribs, bars, or otherraised areas such as surface layers 1146 (FIG. 90) extending laterallyoutward from the side surface. In the example of FIGS. 89-96, the nozzleelement includes three surface layers 1146 oriented in a triangle whilestill leaving the side surface 1142 exposed in the middle. The surfacelayers and inside surface can be used to hold or manipulate the nozzleelement either manually or with a suitable tool. The side surface 1142and corresponding surface layers 1146 extend away from the secondholding portion 1132 (FIG. 90) to form a first fin 1148 extending overthe outside of the inside disc (the outside of the inside disc is shownat 1122A in FIG. 77B). The free corner 1150 of the fin 1148 ispositioned about the same distance from the first leg 1100 as thesurface 1122 (FIG. 92). The first fin helps to support the nozzleelement relative to the adjacent disc in the blade core, for example byapplying pressure to or frictional engagement with to the outside of thedisc 1044, and also relative to the underlying nozzle body. The fins aredimensioned so as to have an opening, for example between the fin 1148and the surface 1122, narrower than the corresponding disc thickness, tohelp hold the nozzle element in place.

The thickness of the surface layers 1146 can be used to affect fluidflow. Where the surface layer 1146 is significantly spaced from thesurface 1142, it may help to move fluid in the area of the cuttingsegments in a desired direction. The surface 1142 may be raised about0.0201 in. beyond the thickness of the outer core surface (about 0.0201in. on each side of the nozzle body). Additionally, the surface layer1146 may be used to change flow characteristics other than direction,including promoting laminar or turbulent flow, and the like. In theexample of the nozzle element shown in FIGS. 79-85 and 89-96, thesurface layer 1146 includes a leading-edge surface 1152. Leading-edgesurface extends radially outward and toward the trailing edge. Theleading-edge surface can then serve as a ramp, foil or vane encouragingfluid in the area to move toward the outer perimeter of the blade.

In the example of a blade shown in FIG. 84A, the nozzle 1008A has thesurface layer 1046A extending outward from the side surface 1142 toapproximately the same lateral position as the cutting segments 1058 andthe fourth body layer 1056A in the nozzle body. In this configuration,the surface layers of the nozzle element may help to move thesurrounding fluid radially outward.

A blade incorporating the exemplary elements described with respect toFIGS. 77-96 can be assembled and completed according to any of themethods described herein. All components are preferably clean ofcontaminants and loose particles, and the inlet fittings 604 (FIGS.54-57 and 78) tubes 194B and nozzle bodies 1006 pre-assembled. Theinside disc 1044 is placed on a clean, flat surface. Polymer is appliedto the medial disc 1016 with polymer applied to each of the wedges ofthe medial disc relatively evenly and uniformly. Polymer is appliedbeginning at an area radially outward from the openings for the inletfittings and ending in an area radially inward from the perimeter of thedisc. During application of polymer to each of the wedges, polymer isalso applied to each of the three apertures 1060 so that each aperturewill be filled with polymer during assembly and curing of the bladecore. The medial disc is then placed on the inside disc with the polymerfacing the inside disc and with the arbor holes and any alignment holesor surfaces in registration. (The four semi-circular surfaces 90 degreesapart in the arbor hole 1002 of FIG. 77 are used in fabricating thediscs, to ensure alignment of the arbor holes and other openings of thediscs, but they can also be used for assembling the blade core.) Eachinlet fitting, tube and nozzle body assembly is then placed in arespective opening and groove in the medial disc. The nozzle body ispositioned in the medial disc to be below or radially inward from theperimeter 1062 of the medial disc. Additional polymer is then appliedand spread to the opposite faces of each wedge of the medial disc, andthe outside disc is placed against the facing surface of the medial discand registered in place using the arbor hole and any other openings, forexample the inlet fitting openings and the nozzle body openings. Theinlet fittings and the nozzle bodies help to properly aligned each ofthe discs relative to each other upon assembly and prior to curing. Theblade core is then pressed and cured for a sufficient time to cure thepolymer, such as with a 5, 10 or 15 ton press, producing about five psifor a 800 mm blade. The perimeter edges of the blade are then ground andcutting segments welded or otherwise fixed to the blade core. The sidesand tops of the segments are then ground to expose the cutting elements.Nozzle elements can then be inserted or otherwise fixed in the nozzlebodies according to the desired distribution. Each nozzle body can holda different nozzle element or the nozzle elements can be all identicalor arranged according to a desired pattern. One or more of the nozzleelements can also be omitted, and the respective nozzle body thenbecomes the nozzle, as the terminus for the tube 1018.

In the example of the blade of FIGS. 77-96, the passage ways in themedial disc are preferably formed to curve outward and away from thedirection of rotation, as shown in FIG. 78. Therefore, when looking inthe direction of rotation, a given fluid flow element will have aconcave shape. Additionally, the flow path between each inlet fitting604 and the outlet opening of the nozzle element is preferably ascontinuous and gradual as possible, to limit abrupt changes in the flowpath and to minimize reductions in flow energy. Such reductions mayoccur at tight corners in a flow path or other quick changes indirection. A continuously curving flow path within the blade reducesacceleration or deceleration of the fluid has a result of bladerotation. Therefore, the flow path extends at an angle to a radius ofthe blade. These flow path configurations can be applied to any of thefluid flow combinations/assemblies described herein.

Additionally, components in the flow path preferably have transitionsthat have increasing internal flow profiles, and for circular flowelements “increasing internal flow profiles” means increasing internalcross sectional areas. Increasing cross sectional areas reduce thepossibility of back pressure building up in the upstream direction. Byway of illustration of increasing cross sectional areas, from thejunction between the inlet fitting and the tube out to the outletopening of the nozzle element, the cross-sectional area of fluid flow iseither the same or increasing across any transition between components.For example, the transition between the inlet fitting and the tube hasan increase in cross-sectional area because the cross-sectional area ofthe inlet fitting outlet is slightly smaller than the insidecross-sectional area of the tube. Likewise, the inside cross-sectionalarea of the bore 1086 (FIG. 88) is preferably smaller than the insidecross-sectional area of the bore 1104 (FIG. 96). For example, the insidediameter of the tube may be 0.0450 inch and the inside diameter of thebore 1086 may be about 0.0456 in. Additionally, the inside diameter ofthe bore 1104 is about 0.071 inch. These transitions reduce thepossibility of outwardly-directed pressure being applied to the nozzleelement by the fluid in the tube. Additionally, the transition betweenthe inlet fitting and the tube reduces the possibility of fluid beingforced between the inlet fitting and the tube and possibly between theinlet fitting and the blade core. Where the flow elements have profilesother than circular, for example rectangular, each of the flowdimensions of the downstream flow element is preferably larger than thecorresponding dimensions in the upstream element. Increasing internalflow profiles as described can be used in any of the fluid flowcombinations/assemblies described herein.

In another aspect of the flow path configuration, each transition fromone upstream flow element to a downstream flow element preferablyincludes an outer structure, outer sleeve or covering surrounding atleast the end of the upstream flow element and preferably the junctionbetween the two. For example, the material in the inlet fitting aroundthe tube, and the material in the nozzle body around the tube, andmaterial adjacent the surfaces 1084, 1086 and 1090, reduce thepossibility that the tube would swell or enlarge due to internalpressure. These structures help in pressure containment in the fluidflow elements.

Fluid flow from the nozzle element is directed at about 18 to 20degrees, and preferably 18.9 degrees, from a radius. Fluid is directedtoward the cut surface from the nozzle element between adjacentsegments. Fluid from the nozzle element may be trapped in the areabetween segments, and adjacent surfaces such as those on the nozzle bodyand the nozzle element may also direct fluid into the inter-segmentarea. Fluid may then be somewhat trapped in the inter-segment area to beswept along by following segments. The nozzle element is shaped to havea slope which follows the angle of fluid flow out of the nozzle element,and the surfaces on the nozzle element help to draw on coming slurry andother fluid in the cut radially outward and away from the blade core.Both the shape of the water flow from the nozzle element and thedirection help to draw fluid radially outward away from the core.

The nozzle body and the nozzle element may be made from a number ofmaterials. They may be made from plastics, reinforced plastic, and inone example they are made from reinforced nylon. Each of the nozzle bodyand the nozzle element are formed separately as one-piece elements, andin one example are formed from 33 percent glass reinforced nylon. Theglass reinforcement is random, but can be oriented to have a selected orpre-determined orientation.

Other inserts can be placed in the blade to a number of locations wherethe inserts do not transmit fluid. For example, any of the nozzle bodyconfigurations or nozzle element configurations can be used as insertswhile omitting any internal fluid flow capability. Additionally, otherinsert shapes can be used and placed in the blade. In the examples shownin FIG. 97, a circular insert 1160 is shown inward from the perimeter ofthe blade core. The insert 1160 passes through respective openings ineach of the inside, medial and outside discs of the blade core. Theinsert 1160 may be in the shape of a sandwich, as shown in FIG. 98 witha first portion 1162 approximately the thickness of the inside disc andhaving a first diameter, a second, intermediate portion 1164 having athickness approximately the same as the medial disc and having a seconddiameter, and a third portion 1166 having a thickness approximately thesame as the outside disc and a diameter approximately the same as thefirst diameter. The insert 1160 can absorb vibrations and other forcesthat might be transmitted in the blade.

The insert can be formed from two pieces fastened or otherwise fixed orsecured together. They can also be made removable. They can be securedtogether through fasteners, adhesive, bonding, welding, interference fitor through other means, as a function of the materials, the environmentin which the tool will be used, and the like. The insert can also beformed as a unitary body formed or cured in place, such as by a plastic,epoxy or other curable or molded material.

As another example of a shape and location of the blade core, an insert1168 is positioned near the perimeter of the blade core in the area of atraditional gullet. The insert 1168 can be positioned on an outer mostperimeter of the blade core, at the same radial distance as the weldline between a cutting segment and the blade core, or in a radiallyinward position touching the wall of a gullet. In the example of theinsert 1168, the insert is slightly radially inward from a gullet 1170.Any of a number of shapes and sizes of inserts can be used, and any of anumber of locations in the blade core can accommodate inserts.

In another example, a dummy or un-channeled “nozzle body” and “nozzleelement” 1172 can be placed about the perimeter of the blade core. The“nozzle body” and “nozzle element” 1172 is identical in all respects tothe nozzle body and nozzle element connected to a tube except that thereis no interior flow channel in the assembly 1172. However, the assemblycan provide a damping function or otherwise absorb vibrationstransmitted in the blade core. The assembly 1172 can nonetheless havesurfaces that affect the flow of fluid in the area of the cuttingsegments just as the nozzle body and nozzle element described previouslycan affect the fluid flow. The inserts can have vanes, foil surfaces, orany of the other surfaces described with respect to the nozzle bodiesand nozzle elements for also affecting the flow of fluid in the area ofthe insert.

Any of the foregoing inserts can also be used in a solid ornon-laminated core, for example by drilling or forming an opening in thecore to accommodate the insert. In addition to an opening, a recess,pocket or concave portion can be formed in each side of the blade corearound the opening to receive the insert, in a manner similar to the waylaminated core receives the insert 1160. The insert could be a two-piecedisc set with a mechanical or other holding element for securing theinsert in-place, or may be formed or assembled in any of the other waysdescribed with respect to the inserts of FIGS. 97 and 98. The insertspreferably at least a portion that extends completely through the core.

The inserts are preferably formed from a material other than thematerial of the blade core. In one example, the material is a ductilematerial, and may include urethane or other plastics. Gullets can stillbe used in blade cores even when the inserts are used.

VII. FLUID SUPPLY EXAMPLES

Fluid can be supplied to the tool such as a cutting blade in a number ofways. In one example (FIGS. 99-104), an inside blade flange assembly1200 can include a fluid supply 1201 controlled through a fluid supplycontrol 1201A (FIG. 101). The fluid supply control may be an operator orautomatically controlled element or assembly, and may be as conventionalas a manual valve controlled by the operator in the area of the sawcontrol panel or handles. The assembly 1200 includes an inner bladeflange 1202 to which a blade 1204 (FIG. 102) would be mounted through ahub opening 1205. The inner blade flange includes one or more fluidchannels 1206 extending from a circumferential surface 1208 of a hub1210 of the blade flange. Each fluid channel preferably extends radiallyinward through a portion of the hub 1210, and then axially outwardthrough a portion of the hub to a flange recess 1212 (FIG. 100), atwhich the fluid channels open.

A pair of lip seals 1208 (FIGS. 102-103) encircle respective portions ofthe hub 1208 to seal the space in between the lip seals and between thehub 1208 and a manifold 1214. The fluid is introduced into a reservoirarea 1216 and then passed through the fluid channels 1206. Duringoperation, the flange rotates relative to the lip seals and themanifold, and the lip seals keep the fluid within manifold and the fluidchannels. The manifold 1214 includes at least one fluid inlet 1218 forintroducing fluid into the manifold for the reservoir.

In the example shown in FIG. 102, the reservoir area 1216 encircles thebetween the lip seals 1208. Consequently, fluid can be supplied to thefluid channels 1206 whenever fluid is being supplied to the inlet 1218.

The inside flange includes a flange face 1220 toward which the blade1204 is mounted. In the example shown in FIGS. 99-103, the flange faceincludes at least one and possibly two O-ring grooves, an outer O-ringgroove 1222 and an inner O-ring groove 1224 for receiving a respectiveO-ring or O-rings or other seal elements 1226 and 1228, respectively.The depth of the O-ring grooves and the diameter of the O-rings arepreferably such that the O-rings are compressed between approximatelyfive percent and 35 percent, and preferably between 20 and 30 percent oftheir diameter before the blade contacts the flange face 1220. Arelatively small compression of the O-rings allows an appropriate sealfor the fluid while still allowing solid contact between the innerflange and the blade sufficient to keep the blade from moving relativeto the flange during operation.

The diameter of the inner O-ring 1228 is greater than the spacingbetween diametrically opposite fluid channels as they open at the recess1212. The diameter of the inner O-ring 1228 is also greater than theouter most inlet fitting, shown schematically at 1230 in the blade 1204such that fluid can pass easily from the openings in the fluid channels1206 through the flange recess 1212 and into an available inlet fitting1230.

In another example of a fluid supply assembly, the flange assembly 1200described previously can include one or more fluid supply protectionsystems. In the present example, one or more pressure relief valves,shown schematically at 1232 can be incorporated into the fluid supplyand/or the fluid supply assembly. The pressure relief valve can take anynumber of configurations, including those of a number of commerciallyavailable pressure relief valves. The pressure relief valve 1232 ismounted on the manifold so as to open into the reservoir area 1216. Ifthe pressure within the reservoir area exceeds a selected value, thevalve opens. The valve closes once the pressure in the reservoir area1216 decreases below the selected value or another threshold.

In another example, a pressure relief valve 1232A is mounted on the hubof the inner flange so as to be able to sense the fluid pressure in oneof the channels 1206. If the pressure within the channel exceeds aselected value, the valve opens, and closes once the pressure in thechannel decreases below a threshold pressure. Other locations forpressure relief valves can also be used, including in an orifice of theflow path between the blade flange and the nozzle, near the inletfittings or assembly, or the like.

A pressure relief valve or other regulator may also be placed in theflange or other portion of the flow path, and also on a portion of theblade. If the pressure relief valve is placed on the moving portion ofthe flange or on the blade, it is preferably mounted, or its operatingmechanism oriented, normal to the flange face so that the rotation ofthe flange does not affect the operation of the pressure relief valve.The pressure relief valve can also be placed at other locations in theflow path, but preferably downstream from the primary operator control1201A for the fluid, such as at 1232B. In one example of a pressurerelief 1232, the valve can be a spring-biased ball resting against avalve seat, and one which preferably operates independent of vibration.Examples of pressure relief valves that would be mounted to the flangeface, hub or other points in the fluid supply include spring loaded ballcheck valves and spring loaded piston check valves. Such valves willhave a threshold in the area of 30 psi, but preferably below 30 psi.

In another example of a fluid supply assembly, any of the flangeassemblies 1200 described above can include a fluid supply protectionsystem that reduces the possibility of contamination of the flow systemin the blade or other tool. In this example, the inner O-ring 1228 holdsa filter element in place, such as the filter element 1234 (FIG. 104).The filter element 1234 can be positioned between the inner O-ring 1228and its corresponding O-ring groove 1224. Alternatively, the filterelement 1234 and the O-ring 1228 can be formed integral with each otherso that positioning the O-ring 1228 also positions the filter element1234. The filter element can be any selected size, and may be on theorder of several microns to as large as several hundred microns or more.

Another example of a fluid supply assembly can include any of theassembly combinations described above but have the manifold 1214 definea reservoir area less than the circumference around the hub of the bladeflange. For example, the manifold could define a reservoir areaextending 180 degrees, 90 degrees or any other selected angle so thatfluid is supplied to only those inlet fittings in fluid communicationwith the flow channels 1206 which are then moving adjacent the reservoirarea. Inlet fittings 1230 can be assigned respective flow channels 1206by dividing up the flange recess area 1212, for example as shown in FIG.105. For example, separating walls 1236 can extend substantiallyradially from the blade shaft opening 1205 across the recess and betweenadjacent flow channel openings 1206. Then, any inlet fittings on theblade that are overlying an opening 1206 supplied with fluid will alsobe supplied with fluid until such time as the other ends of the flowchannels pass out of the area of the reservoir 1216. As one flow passage1206 passes out of the reservoir area, a new one enters the reservoirarea.

VIII. ADDITIONAL TOOL COMPONENTS AND CHARACTERISTICS

Other examples of nozzles and fluid flow assemblies exit the fluid tothe side of the tool. In the examples of the nozzles and fluid flowassemblies of FIGS. 105-110, additional examples of nozzles, flowassemblies, a medial disc configuration, flow inlets and a fluid supplyassembly are provided, any one or more of which can be substituted orcombined with other examples of flow components and tools describedherein. In the examples of FIGS. 105-107, one or more nozzles identifiedcollectively as 1300 provide fluid flow exiting one or more of the sidesurfaces of the tool, in the present example a saw blade 1302. Thesenozzles can produce a blade combination that is self-draining, so thatless water or other fluid used remains in the core after the saw isstopped, and may be less likely to become clogged with any debris. Inthe example discussed herein, the nozzles 1300 pass through thethickness of the saw blade. However, as with the examples of the inletfittings described herein, one or more of the nozzles 1300 can open outto only one side of the saw blade. For example, every other nozzle canopen to one side and the remaining can open to the opposite side. Othercombinations can also be used. Also in the examples shown in FIGS.105-110, the nozzles are symmetric about a center plane through theblade core and about a plane on a radius of the blade core perpendicularto the center plane, but the nozzles can be asymmetric. For example, oneside can produce one flow configuration and the other side anotherconfiguration, or the other side can be closed. The nozzles can be asthick as the combination of the medial disc and the outside disc throughwhich it extends or it can be as thick as a combination of all of thediscs but opening to one side only. Also in these examples, the nozzles1300 can be combined with other nozzle configurations and other fluidflow assemblies to achieve the desired tool configuration. However, inthe context of the examples of FIGS. 105-107, only side exit nozzles1300 are described and only an example of fluid flow from opposite sidesof the nozzle is provided.

The nozzles 1300 are fed fluid through a fluid flow assembly whichincludes a suitable inlet structure such as inlet openings or inletfittings represented schematically at 1304 and fluid flow elements alsorepresented schematically at 1306. The inlet structure may be openingsformed in the inside disc 1308 and the medial disc 1310, or the inletstructure may be inlet fittings such as those described herein. Thefluid flow elements 1306 are preferably tubes suitable for containingthe fluid, including containing any fluid pressure and corrosion oroxidation that may be experienced when using the fluid. The nozzles andfluid flow assemblies in the example of FIGS. 105-107 are supported andretained in the blade with a laminate of an inside disc 1308, a medialdisc 1310 and an outside disc 1312 (FIG. 107). The discs are securedtogether through an appropriate adhesive, but other means can be used tosecure the laminate and fluid flow assembly together.

As represented in FIG. 105, the nozzles 1300 are depicted as beingpositioned substantially on a respective radius and positioned in theblade part way between the blade center and a respective gullet 1312.The gullets 1312 are shown in phantom to represent the possiblepositions of the gullets, but also indicate that gullets need not beincluded in the blade, and to also represent that gullets can also bepositioned on a respective radius that does not include a nozzle 1300.Therefore, the nozzles 1300 can be positioned at a number of locationsboth related and unrelated to the gullet positions. Additionally, itshould be understood that one or more of the nozzles 1300 can bepositioned with a tube or other fluid flow element on the same radius orwhere a nozzle 1300 is positioned on a radius different than the inlet1304. For example, the nozzle can be positioned on a fluid flow elementcurved such as those shown in FIG. 78. Another aspect of the blade shownin FIG. 105 is that the medial disc 1310 need not have channelsextending completely to the perimeter 1314 of the blade core. Forexample, the channels can terminate at the spaces occupied by thenozzles 1300.

The nozzles 1300 can have a number of shapes, including oval, circular,rectangular or other geometric shapes, or the nozzles can havenon-geometric or asymmetric shapes. As with the other nozzleconfigurations discussed herein, the nozzle preferably includes holdingelements and is configured in such a way as to maintain the nozzlesecurely in the blade during normal operation. Considering an ovalnozzle 1316 as depicted in FIGS. 106-107, the nozzle is preferablysymmetric about an axis such as that represented by the line 107-107.The nozzle 1316 includes an offset or ridge 1318 for holding,sandwiching or otherwise positioning the nozzle element in acorresponding opening in the medial disc 1310 and between adjacentsurfaces of the inside and outside discs 1308 and 1312 (FIGS. 106-107).As with the nozzles and inlet fittings described herein, the ridge 1318helps to hold the nozzle in place. Also as with several of the nozzlesdescribed herein, the perimeter of the nozzle is preferably “normalized”so as to have a small amount of perimeter exactly on a radius, so thatthe blade core can more reliably maintain the nozzle in position againstthe forces developed during operation. Adhesive (not shown) alsopreferably helps to hold the nozzle in place.

The nozzle 1316 in the example shown in FIGS. 106-107 also includes anextension 1320. The extension 1320 is preferably the same thickness asthe ridge 1318, which is also preferably the same or slightly smaller(0.001 in. smaller) than the thickness of the medial disc 1310. Theextension 1320 also helps to hold the nozzle in place in the blade core.The extension 1320 may have the same configuration as the leg 1014 inthe nozzle body 1006 (FIGS. 86-88), 820 in FIG. 75, 784 in FIGS. 68-69,618 of the inlet fitting 604 (FIGS. 54-57) and 578 of the inlet fitting570 in FIGS. 51-53. The extension 1320 also forms an enclosure, ahousing or a receptacle for receiving the downstream end 1322 of thetube 1324. The tube can have the same or similar configuration as thatof any of the tubes described herein. Likewise, the extension 1320 formsa bore having an end face 1326 against which the end of the tube ispositioned. The end face 1326 has an inside profile or an insidediameter when the profile is circular equal to or larger than the insideprofile or inside diameter of the tube 1324.

The bore of the nozzle opens into an inlet channel 1328 extendingpreferably parallel to a central axis of the nozzle, such as parallel tothe line represented by line 107-107 (FIG. 106). In the configuration ofthe nozzle 1316 with openings to both sides of the blade, the inletchannel 1328 branches into first and second outlet channels 1330 and1332, respectively. The first outlet channel 1330 opens at a respectiveside face 1334 adjacent the outside surface of the inside disc 1308. Thesecond outlet channel 1332 opens at a respective side face 1336 adjacentthe outside surface of the outside disc 1312. In the configuration shownin FIG. 107, the side faces of the nozzle are substantially flush orco-planar with the adjacent surfaces of the adjacent discs. However, itshould be understood that one or more of the side faces of the nozzlecan have surface layers or other surface configurations that may be usedto affect flow of fluid in the area of the nozzle and the adjacent bladesurfaces. Such surfaces may be similar to the layers 1146 and 1148 ofthe nozzle element 1008, the layers 1054 of the nozzle body 1006 (FIG.79-90), the surface 826 of the nozzle body 816 (FIG. 73), surfaces 690and 692 (FIGS. 58-64) and the like.

In the configuration of the nozzle 1316 shown in FIG. 107, the outletchannels are substantially straight and have the profile of rightcircular cylinders. However, the outlet channels can be configured toproduce a number of flow patterns, including those described previouslywith respect to FIGS. 17-28. Flow from the outlet channels can bedirected to areas adjacent the cutting segments, including betweenadjacent segments, underneath segments and in the area of the weld linesbetween cutting segments and the blade core and toward cutting surface.The radial location of the nozzles 1316 can be positioned with theknowledge of common blade speeds to place fluid at the desired locationrelative to the cutting segments, gullets (if any) or other portions ofthe blade. The arcuate position of a nozzle can be selected with similarconsiderations.

Any of the nozzles 1300 can be configured to be replaceable or includereplaceable portions. For example, circular nozzles can have circularinserts with shapes or outer surface configurations that can releasablyand removably engage either the blade core or releasably and removablyengage nozzle bodies fixed in the blade core. In the example of acircular insert, the insert could have a configuration the same orsimilar to that of the releasable holding element 828 described withrespect to FIGS. 73-75. An insert can also be rotatable or movablewithin the blade core, for example to adjust the orientation of the flowconfiguration. In one example, the orientation of the flow can bechanged from radial in the direction of the blade perimeter tooff-radius, for example toward or away from the direction of rotation. Areleasable circular insert can also be incorporated in the same way in anozzle body of any other shape, including those 1300 shown in FIGS. 105and 108.

As with the other nozzles discussed herein, the nozzle 1316 can beformed from a number of materials. In the example shown in FIGS.106-107, the nozzle is formed from 33 percent fiber reinforced nylon.

Considering the blade shown in FIGS. 105-107, one or more of the nozzles1300 can be replaced with an insert having a same or similar externalconfiguration as the nozzle 1316 or any of the other nozzles 1300without any flow channels. Such insert can contribute to dampingvibrations and other forces developed in the blade during operation.Inserts can be positioned at a number of locations in the blade, canextend through the entire laminated blade core, through two discelements and part of the third, through only two disc elements, throughone disc element and part of the second, through one disc element only,or into part of only one disc element. The insert can be configured in amanner similar to the other inserts described herein, for example withrespect to FIGS. 97-98, or in a manner the same as or similar to any ofthe nozzles or nozzle bodies described herein. In one configuration, theinsert has a hardness different from that of the blade core element,such as the inside, outside or medial disc. For example, the insert mayhave a hardness of about 5-10 or 5-15 on the Rockwell C hardness (or RC)scale, but could be as close to a blade core disc as about 25-35. Arange of possible hardness includes about 5-10, and materials withinthis range include plastics and similar materials. However, metals thatare softer than the steel discs may also be used as well as materialshaving hardness values between metals and plastics.

Removable nozzles provide more flexibility for using the blade over thelifetime of the blade. The blade can be configured with different nozzleorientations and fluid flow configurations, and these can be modified bythe customer as desired. As shown in the examples, the nozzle elementcan be of removable along a radial direction or in a direction otherthan radially. The removable nozzle element can also be configured to bereversible so that the flow orientation of a given nozzle can beadjusted without having to replace the nozzle element.

At least one configuration of a nozzle element for use on a circularsegmented concrete blade has the fluid directed as closely as possibleto the cut surface. Fluid flow is thereby applied directly, as opposedto indirectly, for example after the fluid impacts the face of asegment, a gullet wall, or the like. Fluid can be applied directly tothe cut surface in a number of ways, including having the fluid directedradially outward, positioning the nozzle element outlet as close aspossible to the cut surface, or configuring the flow direction inconjunction with the knowledge of the blade speed and blade diameter toplace the flow impact at the desired point.

Nozzle configurations may also be used that have side exit openings(such as 750 in FIG. 61) for providing fluid to one or more sides of thenozzle. Such openings may contribute to flushing material from the cut,away from the segments and/or away from the undercut region.

As shown in the example of FIGS. 77-96, the nozzle interface or nozzlebody is preferably positioned within the perimeter of the blade core orinward of the segments. Such positioning may protect the nozzle bodyfrom impact or damage, such as may result from blade assembly includinglaser welding, effects of debris and the like. Additionally, having aremovable nozzle element improves the relative protection afforded bythe remote positioning of the nozzle body.

Appropriate areas where fluid may be applied through a nozzle includethe cutting area for cooling and removal of debris, sideways to flushthe weld zones or undercut area under the segments, possibly alternatingfrom one side to the other for flushing the weld zone, and possibly inthe direction opposite rotation where cutting is still occurring.Opposite rotation has fluid flow more static than if the fluid wasdirected in the same direction as blade rotation. In one configurationof nozzles, all of the nozzles can direct fluid outwardly. In anotherconfiguration of alternating nozzles, approximately 80 percent of thenozzles can have the flow directed outwardly and about 20 percentdirected to the sides. In one example, every fourth nozzle can bedirected to the side, and missed nozzle characteristics can be mixedwith straight flow nozzle characteristics, and all nozzles on a givenblade can be different from each of the others.

Fluid can be released as a function of the rotation of the blade. Flowis preferably timed so as to apply fluid to the cutting area or to areasaround the cutting segments only when the cutting segments are working,and possibly shortly before and shortly after the segments start orfinished their contact with the work surface. It is also desirable tohave the slurry exit the cutting area as quickly as possible, and blademotion may help to pull the slurry with a such as between adjacentsegments, especially where the segment is contacting the cut surfacearound three sides of the segment.

Fluid flow can be controlled through the dimensions of the fluid flowelements and channels, the blade speed and possible changes to the flowenergy. The nozzle outlet openings can be slightly larger than but onthe same order of magnitude as the inside cross-sectional areas of thetubes described herein, 0.001 to 0.005 inch larger or even the same asthe inside cross-sectional area of the tube. Possible flow rates througha given fluid flow assembly may be as high as 0.025 gallons per minuteper nozzle. Additionally, fluid can also still be supplied externally ofthe blade if desired.

External configurations of the nozzles can conform to the medial discfor those portions extending within wherein the area of the blade core,and the external portions may be the same width, smaller or larger thanthe width of the blade core. The nozzle element may be within the areabetween segments, within the blade core, flush with a perimeter of theblade core or a combination of locations on the blade. The openingconfiguration of the nozzle, tube and inlet fitting may depend on thedesired pressure, flow rate and the application. Control valves can beused to control the applied pressure, or the flow characteristics may befixed by flow channel characteristics to insure predictable flowresults. Relatively larger flow rates can be provided if the fluid flowassembly has a larger cross-sectional area, such as that described withrespect to FIG. 7, where the cross-sectional area may be about 0.250 by0.030 inches.

The nozzles can have a number of outer configurations, including forsecurely holding the nozzles in place, for changing flow characteristicsand for allowing interlocking of the nozzle assembly with the bladecore. The nozzles can be the same shape as a traditional gullet, andservice a substitute for a traditional gullet, and non-functioningnozzles can be used as inserts in or in place of gullets. Gullets canstill be provided or eliminated as desired. The nozzle interface ornozzle body can be enlarged or having normalized external surface forhelping to hold the nozzle in place, and the nozzle assembly can help toassemble the blade components through alignment and location functions.Cavities or concave surface portions in nozzles may help to provide ashear effect and possibly pull slurry or fluid from the undercut regionor encourage the fluid to flow in a desired direction.

Nozzles can be formed integral with other fluid flow structures, can bea removable structure or they can be fixed in-place. Nozzles can beassembled with interference fits between adjacent components, forexample a tube, a medial disc and inside and outside discs. Nozzles canbe formed as monolithic or one-piece structures or formed from multiplestructures and bonded, welded, riveted or otherwise secured together.

Nozzle functioning can be controlled as a function of time, bladelocation, cutting configuration (start or continuous) as well as otherconditions. Nozzle function can vary according to depth, blade speed,fluid pressure and the like. Nozzle operation as a function ofpositioning can be achieved through a configuration of the blade flange,valves in or adjacent or in the flow path for the nozzle, and in otherways. Nozzle operation can be timed through calculations of the bladespeed, blade diameter, and the like. Inlets may be adjusted in positionto start water flowing at different locations relative to the bladeflange and the blade. An inlet mask can be adjusted in angular positionto apply water over more or fewer inlets. Alternatively, a single inletcan be used and rotated as a function of blade size and speed to applywater to the desired area of the blade inlet fittings. The single inletcan be advanced or held back to produce the desired flow. An arcuatereservoir can be positioned to feed the desired inlets, or the angle ofthe arc may be increased or decreased to adjust the flow. Preferablyfluid flow is entirely off at the desired points rather than simplyreduced.

Various methods of assembly and use can be understood from the foregoingdiscussion. Tools can be assembled in a variety of configurations, andthe configurations can be adjusted throughout the lifetime of the tool.The tool can be used to more closely control work on the work piece, andthe configurations described herein allow more flexibility in toolconfigurations. In one method, fluid can be applied directly to a worksurface that was a cut only fractions of a second before.

Fluid supply for the flow assemblies described with respect FIGS.105-107 can be provided in using any of the fluid supply configurationsdescribed herein, including those described with respect to FIGS.99-104. In another example, a fluid supply configuration can providefluid to the blade in the area of the arbor hole. While fluid can be fedto fluid flow elements through a number of means, separately or incombination, discussion of the fluid supply assembly of FIGS. 108-111will have all of the fluid supplied through the arbor hole of the blade.

A fluid supply assembly 1350 (FIGS. 108-110) receives fluid in the areaof arbor hole 1352 (FIG. 108) and provides a passage way for the fluidto enter the tubes 1306. The fluid supply assembly 1350 in the exampleshown in FIGS. 108-110 includes an annular housing 1354, which may serveas a manifold, reservoir or other holding and transmission area forfluid. The housing 1354 includes an inside wall 1356 and an outside wall1358. The inside and outside walls of the housing may be individually ortogether recessed below the corresponding adjacent surfaces of the bladecore, flush with the surfaces or extend axially outward from thosesurfaces. The terms “inside” and “outside” in our used to correspond tothe terms used with the discs of the blade core, and otherwise have noorientation, position or other meaning.

The housing 1354 also includes a first wall 1360. The first wall 1360extends in a circle around an inside portion of the housing. The firstwall 1360 forms an interior wall for a cavity 1362 in the housing. Thefirst wall 1360 is formed integral or is sealed with the adjacent insideand outside walls of the housing to restrict fluid in the cavity 1362.Now that also includes a second wall 1364 also extending in a circle.The second wall extends around an outside portion of the housing, and isformed integral or is sealed with the adjacent inside and outside wallsof housing to restrict fluid in the cavity 1362. The first and secondwalls and the inside and outside walls of the housing define the cavity1362. The cavity can take a number of configurations, but is preferablyconfigured to allow sufficient fluid flow to adequately supply fluid tothe nozzles 1300, as desired. In the example shown in FIGS. 108-110, thecavity has a rectangular cross-section and extends in a circle withinthe housing substantially conforming to the inside surfaces of the walls1360 and 1364. Each of the walls in the example shown in FIGS. 108-110have a rectangular cross-section, but the walls can take otherconfigurations.

The inside surface of the first wall 1360 includes one or more openings1366. The openings are around in the example shown in FIG. 110 andextend substantially radially through the first wall 1360. The number ofopenings 1366 can be selected so as to provide enough fluid flow intothe housing to meet the flow requirements of the blade. There arepreferably the same number of openings 1366 as there are openings on thearbor 1368 (FIG. 111) for supplying fluid to the housing. Additionally,the configuration of the inside surface of the first wall 1360preferably conforms to the configuration of the outside surface of thearbor 1368, and in the example in FIGS. 108-111, the inside surface ofthe first wall 1360 is substantially cylindrical.

The second wall 1364 includes openings (not shown) joining the cavity1362 in the housing to passage ways in the tubes 1306. The walls of theopenings each may provide gradual transitions from the cavity 1362 inthe respective tube. For example, each opening from the cavity into thetube may have a curved, rounded or beveled surface. Other transitionconfigurations for giving the desired fluid flow into the tubes may beused. The tubes 1306 are preferably formed integral with the housing1354 so that there is a reliable amount of material preventing fluidfrom going outside of the flow passage ways defined by a combination ofthe housing and the tubes 1360 and into contact with the blade core. Thetubes and the second wall can also be joined by welding such asultrasonic welding, bonding, adhesive or by other means. In the exampleshown in FIGS. 108-110, the housing and tubes can be formed integralwith each other by blow molding, roto-molding or by other techniques.

Fluid to the housing 1354 can flow from the arbor 1368 (FIG. 111)through openings 1370 formed in the perimeter surface 1372. The openingsform the outlet openings for corresponding channels extending radiallyinward to a supply channel 1374 formed in an interior portion of thearbor. There are preferably the same number of openings 1370 as thereare openings 1366 in the housing 1354. The openings 1370 are eachpreferably smaller in cross-sectional area and/or opening profile thenthe corresponding cross-sectional areas or opening profiles of theadjacent openings 1366. The blade and therefore the housing 1354 ispositioned on the arbor 1368 so that the openings 1370 register or alignwith respective openings 1366 in the housing 1354. Registration oralignment may be provided by a key, rod or other structure properlypositioning the blade on the arbor.

IX. FLUID RECOVERY AND BLADE GUARD EXAMPLES

With cutting blades, including fluid cooled cutting blades, the bladeguard can be used to pick up, contain and/or channel fluid from theblade. Where fluid exits or is expelled from the blade at or near or inthe area of the blade perimeter, the blade guard can be useful to pickup, channel or otherwise contain the fluid. In one example of a bladeguard (FIGS. 112 and 113), a blade guard 1380 is formed in an arc from aside view and preferably includes an opening 1382 in each side of theblade guard to allow easier viewing of the blade. The blade guardextends in an arc or part of a circle conforming to a part of theperimeter of the blade. The arc length extends preferably at least 180degrees, and the blade guard may include linear or other extensions (notshown) extending downward from the arc portion of the blade guard towardthe ground or work piece 1384. The blade guard is preferably mounted toor otherwise supported by the saw in such away that the blade guardmoves with the saw blade toward and away from the the ground 1384,preferably so that the perimeter of the blade keeps the same positionrelative to the blade guard before, during and after cutting. In oneexample shown in FIG. 115, the perimeter of the blade stays within anenvelope defined by the blade guard cross-section, such as that taken atline 113-113. The contour of the blade guard in area of the bladeperimeter preferably a such as to channel fluid to one or both sides ofthe blade guard and down to the front or to the rear, or both, of theblade guard. The fluid can then be picked up or otherwise contained ordisposed of as desired.

The blade guard 1380 may extend in or adjacent one or more upwardlydisposed channels, bars or other elements 1386. Leading and trailingchannels 1386 may be supported by a support bar 1388 offset to the sidesof the channels, as shown in FIG. 113. In the example where the channels1386 have a U-shaped side walls, adjacent portions of the blade guard1380 may extend into the channels 1386, or they may be placed adjacentso that fluid can be directed into one or both of the channels.

The cross-sectional configuration of the blade guard 1380 can have anumber of forms. In the example shown in FIG. 113, the cross-sectionalconfiguration is substantially U-shaped over a substantial portion ofthe arc or side profile. The blade guard includes a first, substantiallystraight side wall 1390 on the outside of the saw blade 1392 terminatingat a free surface 1394. The side wall 1390 joins a substantially arcuatetop or apex 1396 having a substantially semi-circular cross-section. Thetop 1396 extends to a substantially straight second side wall 1398forming the side of the blade guard opposite the first side wall 1390.The second side wall 1398 also follows an arcuate side profile adjacentthe saw similar to the first side wall, for the example shown in FIG.113. The second side wall 1398 terminates in a channel portion 1400 alsofollowing the arc of the blade guard.

The channel portion 1400 in the example shown in FIG. 113 has asubstantially U-shaped cross-section with angled corners. The channelportion includes an outer side wall 1402, a bottom wall 1404 and aninner side wall 1406 forming the channel. The outer and inner side wallsand the bottom wall shown in FIG. 13 are substantially straight. Thechannel portion can have rounded corners or other internal surfaceconfiguration as desired. The channel portion has a depth large enoughto receive in channel fluid collected by the blade guard without a largeamount of fluid loss from the channel. The channel 1400 can have othercross-sectional configurations as well.

The channel portion 1400 extends downward along the arc to the front,the back or both. In the example shown in FIG. 113, the channel issubstantially vertical, at which point flow from the channel portion1400 enters the channels 1386. A fluid pick up, vacuum or othercollection area 1408 collects the fluid. Vacuum or other removal meanscan be used to draw the fluid away from the blade guard and from theblade. The support bar 1388 may include one or more vacuum openings inthe downward facing surface to pick up fluid from the work surfaceduring operation. The support bar to also include openings in the upwardfacing surface or surfaces to pick up fluid that may fall from the bladeguard or otherwise not be contained in the blade guard.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 113, the blade 1392 is positionedlaterally offset from a center plane 1410 of the blade guard. Therefore,fluid exiting straight from the blade perimeter 1412 hits a curvedportion of the top 1396, and thereafter tends to curve as indicated bythe arrow 1414 rather than hitting a surface substantiallyperpendicular. Indirect impact or angular impact of fluid along a wallof the blade guard may reduce splash of fluid within the blade guard.Other configurations may also be used to encourage or influence flowtransitions to be as gradual as possible, to reduce splash. The bladecan also be positioned on the center plane 1410 if desired.

Reducing splash in or encouraging more uniform flow within the bladeguard may also occur by incorporating greater curvature or eccentricsurface profiles in the blade guard. In another example of a bladeguard, the blade guard 1416 (FIG. 114) includes an eccentric curvaturein an axial direction away from a first side 1418 so the curvatureextends beyond the second side 1420 as viewed in FIG. 114. The secondside includes the channel portion 1422 similar to the channel portion1400 in the example of FIG. 113. Flow of fluid straight from theperimeter or of the blade 1392 impacts a curving side 1424 of the bladeguard and flows around the curved surface to the channel 1422, asdepicted schematically by the arrow 1426.

In another example of a blade guard, a blade guard 1428 (FIG. 115) has afirst side wall 1430 and a second side wall 1432 sufficiently long incombination with the positioning of the blade 1392 so that the perimeter1412 of the blade is within the envelope defined by the cross-section ofthe blade guard.

In a further example of a blade guard, a blade guard 1434 (FIG. 116) hasa cross-sectional profile that includes more than one curving surface.The first curving surface 1436 is similar to the curving surface 1424 inFIG. 114 and extends downward to a first channel 1438. The blade guard1434 also includes a second curving surface 1440 curving axially outwardaway from the first curving surface 1436 from an approximate midpoint1442. The second surface 1440 also terminates in a second channel 1444.The second channel 1444 also collects, channels or otherwise allowsfluid to move along the blade guard so that it can be recovered orotherwise disposed of. As with any of the other examples, the bladeperimeter can extend into the envelope defined by the profile of theblade guard during operation. In the blade guard 1434 of FIG. 116, theblade guard has a dual apex, each of which may be off center from theplane of the blade. The blade guard 1434 may also include an inwardprojection extending inwardly of the envelope of the blade guard andpreferably in the plane of the blade 1392. The projection can also beingout of the plane of the blade, for example toward the second curvature1440. Fluid may follow the curvature represented schematically at 1448and at 1450 to be passed along the channels 1438 and 1444. Any of theblade guards in these examples can be interchangeable.

Removable nozzles provide more flexibility for using the blade over thelifetime of the blade. The blade can be configured with different nozzleorientations and fluid flow configurations, and these can be modified bythe customer as desired. As shown in the examples, the nozzle elementcan be of removable along a radial direction or in a direction otherthan radially. The removable nozzle element can also be configured to bereversible so that the flow orientation of a given nozzle can beadjusted without having to replace the nozzle element.

At least one configuration of a nozzle element for use on a circularsegmented concrete blade has the fluid directed as closely as possibleto the cut surface. Fluid flow is thereby applied directly, as opposedto indirectly, for example after the fluid impacts the face of asegment, a gullet wall, or the like. Fluid can be applied directly tothe cut surface in a number of ways, including having the fluid directedradially outward, positioning the nozzle element outlet as close aspossible to the cut surface, or configuring the flow direction inconjunction with the knowledge of the blade speed and blade diameter toplace the flow impact at the desired point.

Nozzle configurations may also be used that have side exit openings(such as 750 in FIG. 61) for providing fluid to one or more sides of thenozzle. Such openings may contribute to flushing material from the cut,away from the segments and/or away from the undercut region.

As shown in the example of FIGS. 77-96, the nozzle interface or nozzlebody is preferably positioned within the perimeter of the blade core orinward of the segments. Such positioning may protect the nozzle bodyfrom impact or damage, such as may result from blade assembly includinglaser welding, effects of debris and the like. Additionally, having aremovable nozzle element improves the relative protection afforded bythe remote positioning of the nozzle body.

Appropriate areas where fluid may be applied through a nozzle includethe cutting area for cooling and removal of debris, sideways to flushthe weld zones or undercut area under the segments, possibly alternatingfrom one side to the other for flushing the weld zone, and possibly inthe direction opposite rotation where cutting is still occurring.Opposite rotation has fluid flow more static than if the fluid wasdirected in the same direction as blade rotation. In one configurationof nozzles, all of the nozzles can direct fluid outwardly. In anotherconfiguration of alternating nozzles, approximately 80 percent of thenozzles can have the flow directed outwardly and about 20 percentdirected to the sides. In one example, every fourth nozzle can bedirected to the side, and missed nozzle characteristics can be mixedwith straight flow nozzle characteristics, and all nozzles on a givenblade can be different from each of the others.

Fluid can be released as a function of the rotation of the blade. Flowis preferably timed so as to apply fluid to the cutting area or to areasaround the cutting segments only when the cutting segments are working,and possibly shortly before and shortly after the segments start orfinished their contact with the work surface. It is also desirable tohave the slurry exit the cutting area as quickly as possible, and blademotion may help to pull the slurry with a such as between adjacentsegments, especially where the segment is contacting the cut surfacearound three sides of the segment.

Fluid flow can be controlled through the dimensions of the fluid flowelements and channels, the blade speed and possible changes to the flowenergy. The nozzle outlet openings can be slightly larger than but onthe same order of magnitude as the inside cross-sectional areas of thetubes described herein, 0.001 to 0.005 inch larger or even the same asthe inside cross-sectional area of the tube. Possible flow rates througha given fluid flow assembly may be as high as 0.025 gallons per minuteper nozzle. Additionally, fluid can also still be supplied externally ofthe blade if desired.

External configurations of the nozzles can conform to the medial discfor those portions extending within wherein the area of the blade core,and the external portions may be the same width, smaller or larger thanthe width of the blade core. The nozzle element may be within the areabetween segments, within the blade core, flush with a perimeter of theblade core or a combination of locations on the blade. The openingconfiguration of the nozzle, tube and inlet fitting may depend on thedesired pressure, flow rate and the application. Control valves can beused to control the applied pressure, or the flow characteristics may befixed by flow channel characteristics to insure predictable flowresults. Relatively larger flow rates can be provided if the fluid flowassembly has a larger cross-sectional area, such as that described withrespect to FIG. 7, where the cross-sectional area may be about 0.250 by0.030 inches.

The nozzles can have a number of outer configurations, including forsecurely holding the nozzles in place, for changing flow characteristicsand for allowing interlocking of the nozzle assembly with the bladecore. The nozzles can be the same shape as a traditional gullet, andservice a substitute for a traditional gullet, and non-functioningnozzles can be used as inserts in or in place of gullets. Gullets canstill be provided or eliminated as desired. The nozzle interface ornozzle body can be enlarged or having normalized external surface forhelping to hold the nozzle in place, and the nozzle assembly can help toassemble the blade components through alignment and location functions.Cavities or concave surface portions in nozzles may help to provide ashear effect and possibly pull slurry or fluid from the undercut regionor encourage the fluid to flow in a desired direction.

Nozzles can be formed integral with other fluid flow structures, can bea removable structure or they can be fixed in-place. Nozzles can beassembled with interference fits between adjacent components, forexample a tube, a medial disc and inside and outside discs. Nozzles canbe formed as monolithic or one-piece structures or formed from multiplestructures and bonded, welded, riveted or otherwise secured together.

Nozzle functioning can be controlled as a function of time, bladelocation, cutting configuration (start or continuous) as well as otherconditions. Nozzle function can vary according to depth, blade speed,fluid pressure and the like. Nozzle operation as a function ofpositioning can be achieved through a configuration of the blade flange,valves in or adjacent or in the flow path for the nozzle, and in otherways. Nozzle operation can be timed through calculations of the bladespeed, blade diameter, and the like. Inlets may be adjusted in positionto start water flowing at different locations relative to the bladeflange and the blade. An inlet mask can be adjusted in angular positionto apply water over more or fewer inlets. Alternatively, a single inletcan be used and rotated as a function of blade size and speed to applywater to the desired area of the blade inlet fittings. The single inletcan be advanced or held back to produce the desired flow. An arcuatereservoir can be positioned to feed the desired inlets, or the angle ofthe arc may be increased or decreased to adjust the flow. Preferablyfluid flow is entirely off at the desired points rather than simplyreduced.

Various methods of assembly and use can be understood from the foregoingdiscussion. Tools can be assembled in a variety of configurations, andthe configurations can be adjusted throughout the lifetime of the tool.The tool can be used to more closely control work on the work piece, andthe configurations described herein allow more flexibility in toolconfigurations. In one method, fluid can be applied directly to a worksurface that was a cut only fractions of a second before.

Having thus described several exemplary implementations, it will beapparent that various alterations and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the concepts discussed herein. Such alterations andmodifications, though not expressly described above, are nonethelessintended and implied to be within the spirit and scope of theinventions. Accordingly, the foregoing description is intended to beillustrative only.

1. A cutting blade comprising: a blade structure having first and secondoutside surfaces; a passage through an area between the first and secondoutside surfaces configured so as to allow fluid to flow in the passage;a wall structure formed from a first material defining an inlet in fluidcommunication with the passage; and a transition element in the inletformed different from the first material.
 2. The blade of claim 1wherein the transition element is formed from a second materialdifferent from the first material.
 3. The blade of claim 1 wherein thetransition element is formed at a different time than when the firstelement is formed.
 4. The blade of claim 2 wherein the blade structureis substantially circular and wherein the passage extends from an innerarea of the blade structure to an outer area of the blade structure. 5.The blade of claim 4 wherein the blade inner area includes a center holeand wherein the passage extends from adjacent the center hole outward ina direction away from the center hole.
 6. The blade of claim 5 whereinthe transition element includes an angled portion allowing fluid tochange directions within the transition element.
 7. The blade of claim 6wherein the transition element includes an elbow structure.
 8. The bladeof claim 7 wherein the elbow structure includes an inlet portion and anoutlet portion wherein the inlet portion has an internal cross-sectionalarea larger than an internal cross-sectional area of the outlet portion.9. The blade of claim 8 wherein the inlet portion includes a conicalsurface configuration.
 10. The blade of claim 8 wherein the outletportion includes a substantially circular flow channel.
 11. The blade ofclaim 5 wherein the inner area of the blade structure is substantiallyflat and the transition element opens in a direction that issubstantially perpendicular to the inner area of the blade structure.12. The blade of claim 5 further including a plurality of transitionelements spaced from the center hole.
 13. The blade of claim 5 whereinthe transition element includes at least two wall portions defining atleast two openings into the transition element.
 14. The blade of claim13 wherein the two wall portions combined to form a first channelpassing through the blade and coupled to a third channel extendingbetween the first channel and an outlet of the transition element. 15.The blade of claim 5 wherein the transition element includes wallsdefining no more than a single inlet and no more than a single outlet.16. The blade of claim 15 further including a passage way extendingbetween the inlet and the outlet wherein the passage way has a curvebetween between the inlet and outlet.
 17. The blade of claim 15 whereinthe inlet has a cross-sectional area larger than a cross-sectional areaof the outlet.
 18. The blade of claim 4 wherein the blade structure issubstantially circular and the blade inner area includes a center holeand wherein the transition element is positioned at least partly withinthe center hole.
 19. The blade of claim 18 wherein the transitionelement includes a wall defining an inner opening and a wall defining anouter opening farther from a center of the blade than the inner opening.20. The blade of claim 19 further including a wall defining a cavity forcontaining fluid between the inner opening and the outer opening. 21.The blade of claim 20 wherein the wall defining the cavity includes aplurality of inlet openings and a plurality of outlet openings and areservoir in between the inlet and the outlet openings.
 22. The blade ofclaim 20 wherein the outer opening opens into an area within thepassage.
 23. The blade of claim 22 wherein the transition element iscoupled to a tube in the blade.
 24. The blade of claim 23 wherein thetransition element and the tube are integral with each other.
 25. Theblade of claim 1 further including a leg portion extending away from thetransition element having a channel in fluid communication with theinlet.
 26. The blade of claim 25 further including a tube extending intothe leg portion.
 27. The tool comprising: a working portion of the toolfor working on a work surface and a support structure for supporting theworking portion of the tool; a first outside surface adjacent thesupport structure and a second outside surface spaced apart from thefirst outside surface; a passage through an area between the first andsecond outside surfaces configured so as to allow fluid to flow in thepassage; a wall structure formed from a first material defining an inletin the first outside surface wherein the inlet is in fluid communicationwith the passage; and a transition element in the inlet formed differentfrom the first material.
 28. The tool of claim 27 wherein the transitionelement includes a wall defining an opening wherein the opening extendsin a direction different from a direction in which the passage extends.29. The tool of claim 28 wherein the transition element includes achannel portion extending between the opening and the passage.
 30. Thetool of claim 29 wherein the channel portion includes a curved portionextending from the opening to the passage and wherein the opening andthe passage extend at substantially right angles to each other.
 31. Thetool of claim 29 further including a tube in the passage coupled to thetransition element.
 32. The tool of claim 27 wherein the tool is asubstantially circular cutting blade and the working portion of the toolis at a perimeter of the cutting blade and the transition element ispositioned between a center of the blade and the working portion. 33.The tool of claim 32 further including a plurality of working portions,a plurality of passages and a separate transition element for eachpassage.
 34. The tool of claim 33 further including a tube extending ineach of the plurality of passages and coupled to and in fluidcommunication with a respective transition element.
 35. The tool ofclaim 32 wherein the cutting blade includes a wall defining an openingand wherein the transition element extends in a closed circuit adjacentthe opening wall.
 36. The tool of claim 35 wherein transition elementhas a substantially circular portion with a plurality of inlet openingsand a plurality of outlet openings positioned outward relative to theinlet openings.
 37. A cutting blade comprising: a substantially circularblade formed from first and second substantially spaced apart bladeelements; at least one passage way extending within an area between thefirst and second substantially spaced apart blade elements andconfigured to allow fluid to flow in the passage way; a wall structureformed from a first material defining an inlet and in fluidcommunication with the passage way; and an inlet fitting in the inletformed different from the first material.
 38. The blade of 37 whereinthe first material is a metal and the inlet fitting is formed from aplastic.
 39. The blade of 37 wherein the wall structure forming theinlet is formed in the first blade element and wherein the inlet fittingincludes an angled portion extending between an opening in the inlet andan outlet opening within the passage.
 40. The blade of claim 37 whereinthe wall structure forming the inlet includes portions of the first andsecond blade elements adjacent an opening in the circular blade andwherein the inlet fitting extends in the opening and includes at leastone outlet opening opening within the passage way.
 41. The blade ofclaim 40 further including a tubular structure within the passage wayand coupled to the inlet fitting.